Environmental agency objects to controversial relief road plans - The Stratford Observer

Environmental agency objects to controversial relief road plans

Stratford Editorial 13th Nov, 2018   0

THE ENVIRONMENT Agency has objected to controversial plans for the South Western Relief Road through Stratford.

The government department has said information submitted by developer Cala Homes failed to reassure against flood risks.

The two mile stretch of road, complete with a flyover across the Greenway and the River Avon, is earmarked to run from close to Orchard Hill Farm on Shipston Road to Luddington Road near the racecourse – part of a natural flood plain residents fear will be affected.

The agency has demanded the developer guarantee the floodplain will not be impacted before Stratford District Council goes ahead with the £30million plans which have received some 700 objections.




An Environment Agency spokesman said: ” Any consideration of whether one site is more suitable than another should have been raised with us at the strategic planning stage prior to any detailed planning submission being made.”

Stratford Residents Action Group has similarly accused council chiefs of failing to explore options and consult residents before putting forward Cala’s plans aimed at relieving increased traffic expected from the 3,500 homes being built at Long Marston Airfield.


The campaigners want to see a ring road built around the town rather than a flyover which they fear would impact Stratford Greenway and the River Avon.

Group chair Marion Homer said: “The objection is an absolute vindicator of what SRAG has been saying that it is the wrong road and the wrong place right from the word go.

“It’s good to hear the voices of others and hear others say its wrong and ask the question why an alternative hasn’t been looked at.

“We are astounded Stratford District Council has allowed it to get it to this stage. It has been a complete waste of time and money.

“That said, SRAG is not anti-road we just want to make sure the work is done and assessed properly to put it in the right place and time.

“Stratford is in desperate need for proper traffic management – it’s a complete nightmare.”

The district council was unable to comment while the matter is out for public consultation which ends on the November 15.

A Cala Homes spokesperson said: “We will review all feedback from statutory consultees and will respond accordingly.”

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