PLANS to build up to 500 homes on the outskirts of Stratford look set to be given the green light – despite fierce opposition.
Miller Homes and Taylor Wimpey are proposing to build on land between Bishopton Lane, the Ridgeway, Stratford Canal and the A46 Stratford bypass.
If given the go-ahead, the scheme would be the second largest in the town after the already approved 800-home development on land west of Shottery.
Developers say the plans will include a third affordable housing, a site for a possible new primary school, and public open spaces.
They are also looking to make improvements to the Bishopton Canal bridge, including traffic lights, as well as running an bus service through the estate to the town centre.
The plans first came to light back in June 2015 just as Stratford District Council was attempting to finalise its Core Strategy – the key planning blueprint, which outlines where and when some 14,600 homes will be built by 2031.
But they have faced much opposition with councillors and residents alike raising concerns about the scheme.
More than 80 letters of objection have been received by Stratford District Council with campaign group Bishopton Residents Action Group among those strongly against the scheme.
District councillor for Bishopton, Robert Vaudry has also objected to the homes – arguing Bishopton is a greenfield site and development should be prioritised on brownfield locations.
He also believes developers have not taken into account increased noise levels, which may be caused by the A46 being upgraded to a dual carriageway.
Stratford Town Council is against the scale of the development – saying the 500 homes would only add to the already traffic-choked roads while it also has echoed Coun Vaudry’s concerns about ‘excessive’ noise levels from the nearby A46.
But despite the opposition, the site was identified in Stratford District Council’s recently-adopted Core Strategy last month along with plans for more than 8,000 homes in total at Gaydon Lighthorne Heath, on Long Marston Airfield and in Southam.
Officers have recommended permission be granted subject to developer funding agreements when the application is considered by the authority’s planning committee next Wednesday.
