PLANS to build up to 500 homes on the outskirts of Stratford have been given the go-ahead – despite fierce opposition.
Miller Homes and Taylor Wimpey were looking to build on land between Bishopton Lane, the Ridgeway, Stratford Canal and the A46 Stratford bypass.
Developers said the plans would include a third affordable housing, a site for a possible new primary school, and public open spaces.
They were also looking to make improvements to the Bishopton Canal bridge – including traffic lights – to control traffic as well as running a 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 faced much opposition with councillors and residents alike raising concerns about the scheme.
More than 80 letters of objection were received by Stratford District Council with campaign group Bishopton Residents Action Group among those strongly against the scheme.
District councillor for Bishopton, Robert Vaudry, also objected to the homes while Stratford Town Council expressed concerns about the scale of the development – arguing the 500 home development would only add to the already traffic-choked roads.
But despite the opposition, the site was endorsed by Stratford District Council in its recently-adopted Core Strategy along with plans for more than 8,000 homes in total at Gaydon Lighthorne Heath, on Long Marston Airfield and in Southam.
And members of the authority’s planning committee followed officers’ advice – granting permission for the application unanimously at a meeting on Wednesday (August 17).
