Health, schools & community

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section describes proposal BIT.1, land at Park Farm west of Bishop's Tachbrook. The 41-hectare site will deliver at least 655 homes between 2030/31 and 2037/38, plus 2.2 hectares of land for a possible two-form entry primary school, a community hall site and a small local centre. A significant green buffer will protect the setting of the Grade I listed Warwick Castle parkland. A contaminated land assessment is needed for the former quarry and landfill in the northern part of the site.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy resists the loss of existing accessible green space, including allotments, and the transfer of public green infrastructure into private gardens. Loss will be refused unless an assessment against Natural England's standards proves the space is surplus, the land makes no positive contribution to appearance, recreation or wildlife, it contains no priority habitats or species, and there is no cumulative harm to the local area. Any green space lost must be replaced with equivalent or better provision within the catchment of the space lost.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects trees, woodlands, orchards and hedgerows. There is a presumption to refuse development that would cause the loss or deterioration of ancient or veteran trees, ancient woodland, traditional orchards or important native hedgerows, except in exceptional circumstances with clear overriding public benefit. Minimum natural buffers are required, including fifty metres for ancient woodland, at least twenty-five metres for other woodland and five metres either side of hedgerows. Where trees could be affected, a tree survey to British Standard 5837 is required, and acceptable losses must be replaced with locally appropriate species.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy sets out what development must do in or near the Colne Valley Regional Park, a park of over 10,000 hectares in the east of the county established in 1967. Development should maintain and enhance the park's landscape, waterways and biodiversity, provide countryside recreation that is accessible to all, and improve walking, wheeling and cycling routes. It should also support the rural economy, encourage community participation and help reduce pollution to the River Colne. A possible extension of the park to cover Fulmer parish is being considered.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out proposal BIT.3, 122 hectares north-west of Bishop's Tachbrook delivering at least 1,720 homes on about 46 hectares between 2028/29 and 2040/41. Around 74 hectares becomes public open space, including a 40-hectare extension to Tachbrook Country Park to keep a permanent green gap south of Leamington. The scheme includes a community hub with possible shops and a GP surgery, land for a two-form entry primary school, and funding towards secondary education. Green buffers must keep Bishop's Tachbrook visually separate from Leamington and Warwick.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy explains that most development in the Green Belt is inappropriate and will be refused unless very special circumstances apply. Exceptions include buildings for agriculture and forestry, facilities for outdoor sport and recreation, replacing or extending existing buildings, limited infilling within identified villages, and affordable housing on rural exception sites. Infill plots and buildings must be comparable in size to typical plots and houses in the village. The plan has also reviewed the Green Belt to identify Grey Belt land, but this policy applies to all Green Belt land.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section describes proposal HEN.1 at Henley-in-Arden, a 125-hectare masterplanned development of at least 2,084 homes, largely on the golf club land, delivered from 2029/30 to 2044/45. It includes 3.3 hectares of employment land, a two-form entry primary school, expansion of the secondary school with a new sixth form, 9 Gypsy and Traveller pitches, and a new country park at Beaudesert Mount. A link road from the A3400 to the A4189, including a new rail bridge, will let through traffic bypass the town centre. The site will be released from the Green Belt.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects the Chilterns National Landscape, which covers 27% of the council area and has the highest status of landscape protection. Development within it should be limited in scale, and development in its setting must be sensitively located and designed. All proposals must take a landscape-led approach, conserve the area's special qualities and follow the Chilterns Building Design Guide. Major developments will be refused unless exceptional circumstances are shown to be in the public interest, and must be supported by a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy manages noise, air quality and contaminated land. Noise-generating developments must include attenuation measures, and noise-sensitive uses such as homes, schools and hospitals will not be supported where users would suffer from existing noise. Developments that may worsen air quality must submit an air quality impact assessment, particularly within Air Quality Management Areas, and road traffic is identified as the county's main source of air pollution. Development on land that may be contaminated requires an assessment, with remediation normally completed before first occupation.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out proposal KEN.1, land south of Kenilworth delivering at least 776 homes on 60 hectares between 2029/30 and 2036/37, at a density of at least 35 homes per hectare. A significant green edge will maintain separation between Kenilworth and Leek Wootton. A spine road linking Rouncil Lane and Warwick Road must come early in the development. A buffer to the north-west protects sightlines from Kenilworth Castle, and the site sits in a mineral safeguarding area for sand and gravel.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy controls artificial light at night to protect wildlife, dark skies and local character. External lighting must be the minimum needed for safety and security, with light spill, glare and impact on the night sky minimised. Dark corridors, such as watercourses and hedgerow networks, must be protected because species like bats depend on them. A mitigation hierarchy applies: avoid lighting in sensitive areas first, then minimise it, then compensate. All lighting should have a clear purpose, be no brighter than necessary, use warmer colours where possible and be switched off when not needed.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section covers proposal LEA.1 at Blackdown, north of Leamington Spa. Some 72 hectares will be released from the Green Belt for at least 1,043 homes on about 37 hectares, plus roughly 35 hectares of public open space, delivered between 2031/32 and 2041/42. The scheme includes a two-form entry primary school, a community hub and safeguarded land for expanding North Leamington School. Land may also be needed for a future Park and Ride, and the site must contribute to the Kenilworth to Leamington cycle route.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires all new developments, except householder applications, to follow a vision-led approach to transport that prioritises walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport before car use. Larger sites must provide safe walking and cycling routes, including safe routes to schools within statutory walking distance (2 miles for under 8s, 3 miles for over 8s), and fund new or improved bus services for at least five years. Requirements also cover travel plans, car clubs, mobility hubs, and changing and shower facilities in non-residential buildings over 2,500 square metres. Developments must not have an unacceptable impact on highway or rail safety.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section describes proposal LEA.2 at Milverton, the second urban extension north of Leamington Spa. Some 76 hectares leave the Green Belt for at least 974 homes on about 38 hectares, with 38 hectares of open space, delivered between 2032 and 2045. It includes a food store of up to 15,000 sq ft, around 2 hectares of employment land, land for a possible hospital expansion, and a two-form entry primary school. A landscape-led approach is required given the site's sensitive position between Kenilworth and Leamington.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out proposal LEA.3 at Lillington, east of Leamington Spa. Of the 83-hectare site, 69 hectares leave the Green Belt for around 1,455 homes on 38 hectares, with 43 hectares of open space including a new Cubbington Community Park, delivered between 2031/32 and 2040/41. The scheme includes a two-form entry primary school and a small local centre. Open space keeps Lillington and Cubbington separate, and walking and cycling links must connect the site to Newbold Comyn and the surrounding countryside.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy safeguards the route of the Buckinghamshire Greenway, a proposed flagship walking, wheeling and cycling route running north to south across the county. Development must not prejudice delivery of a 5 metre wide traffic-free corridor, though a 3 metre path may be accepted where space is constrained. Major sites of 10 or more homes (or employment equivalent) within 800 metres of the route must make proportionate contributions to its construction or provide convenient links to it. Sections at Waddesdon and the Misbourne valley have already been completed.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy safeguards the former Bourne End to High Wycombe railway line, closed in 1970, as a future walking, wheeling and cycling route. Development must not prejudice a 5 metre wide corridor along the old track bed between Bourne End and High Wycombe town centre. Major sites of 10 or more homes (or employment equivalent) within 800 metres must contribute to building the route or provide links to it. The council no longer expects the line to reopen for public transport but considers it a direct, largely flat and traffic-free active travel route.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section covers proposal COV.1, south of Coventry. The 294-hectare development area, alongside a 236-hectare biodiversity enhancement area, will deliver 4,015 homes by 2050, two two-form entry primary schools, provision for a six-form entry secondary school and two neighbourhood centres. A new multimodal transport corridor will link Westwood Heath Road with the A46 Stoneleigh Junction, and land is safeguarded for a transport interchange with a rail station, park and ride and very light rail. Densities of at least 40 homes per hectare are expected.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires development to be supported by adequate infrastructure, such as schools, healthcare, transport and utilities. Development will only be permitted where capacity already exists or the scheme delivers or funds what is needed, with delivery timed to match the growth it serves. Land must be safeguarded where infrastructure cannot be provided straight away, and linked sites must plan infrastructure jointly. A related policy (IN2) requires developments of 10 or more dwellings to provide healthcare and education infrastructure or financial contributions, calculated using set methodologies.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out proposal COV.3 at Kings Hill, south of Coventry. The 269-hectare site will deliver at least 4,000 homes in line with the adopted Kings Hill Masterplan and Design Code, of which 2,500 already have outline permission. It includes two two-form entry primary schools, a six-form entry secondary school with room to expand to eight forms, and two neighbourhood centres with a community centre and GP surgery. A multimodal spine road, bus gate access and provision for very light rail serve the site, with densities from 35 to 50 homes per hectare.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) for larger developments: residential schemes of 100 or more dwellings, non-residential schemes of 1,000 square metres or more, and uses such as education, health and social care, care homes, leisure, community and fast food outlets. The HIA should be prepared early, before a planning application is submitted, to identify positive health impacts and minimise negative ones, with a focus on reducing health inequalities. Its conclusions must be reflected in the design of the scheme.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy restricts new fast food outlets and takeaways outside designated town centres. Where planning permission is required, they will not be permitted within walking distance of schools, playgrounds and leisure centres, typically measured as 400 metres, or where a concentration of such uses is harming local health or causing pollution or anti-social behaviour. The same rules apply to delivery-only operations, often called dark kitchens. The policy supports local evidence linking fast food near schools to poor diet, child obesity and health inequalities.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy supports community food growing by protecting existing community gardens, allotments and orchards and enabling new ones. Developments of 50 to 99 dwellings must include a 150 square metre plot for community food growing, rising to 300 square metres for schemes of 100 dwellings or more. Developers must also provide supporting infrastructure such as a water supply and storage facilities. The council sees these spaces as helping health, social connection and access to affordable food.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects community buildings and facilities, such as halls, pubs, shops and places of worship, where there is a demonstrable local need. Change of use will only be allowed if equivalent or better provision replaces the loss, or if the use is shown to be unviable after being marketed for at least 12 months at a realistic price. The loss of a public house must not simply reflect short-term land value pressures. Developments of more than 10 homes must contribute financially to providing or enhancing community facilities.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section describes proposal STR.1, north of Stratford-upon-Avon. The Clopton Quarter will deliver at least 777 homes, land for a new education facility, 4 Gypsy and Traveller pitches, new community orchards and a new gateway to Welcombe Hills Country Park with a visitor centre. The allocation also redevelops the town's Park and Ride with about 139 higher-density homes at 90 per hectare and a two-storey decked car park keeping roughly 390 spaces per floor. Delivery runs from 2029/30 to 2037/38, with main access from a new A46 roundabout.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy supports new sport and recreation facilities that are accessible by walking, cycling, wheeling and public transport, provided they avoid unacceptable impacts on amenity, roads, wildlife, heritage and flooding. Housing developments of more than 10 units, or over 1,000 square metres of floorspace, must meet the sports and recreation standards in Appendix P, normally through on-site provision. Existing facilities can only be lost if they are shown to be surplus, replaced with equivalent or better provision, or the change delivers clear open space benefits. Long-term management arrangements must be agreed.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out proposal STR.2, a 174-hectare site south-east of Stratford-upon-Avon delivering at least 2,727 homes between 2030/31 and 2048/49. It includes two new primary schools, a six-form entry secondary school, an on-site health facility, a mobility hub and 15 Gypsy and Traveller pitches. A new spine road will connect Shipston Road and Banbury Road. Design must avoid merging Stratford with Clifford Chambers or Tiddington, and a large area of parkland to the east will focus on biodiversity net gain.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section covers proposal STR.3, land west of Stratford-upon-Avon delivered between 2028/29 and 2036/37. Site A at West Shottery provides at least 687 homes, a community hall, local shops and an extension to the community park, with land safeguarded at its western edge for the proposed Stratford-upon-Avon Bypass. Site B, north of Evesham Road, adds up to 130 homes with about 3 hectares of open space. Around 23 hectares of public open space is provided in total, and development must protect the settings of Shottery Conservation Area and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out proposal WEL.1, land north of Wellesbourne. The 129-hectare allocation delivers at least 1,331 homes on 97 hectares between 2033 and 2042, plus 9 Gypsy and Traveller pitches, a two-form entry primary school, a local centre possibly including a health facility, and a sports pavilion. It also allocates 47.5 hectares (27 net) of employment land, mainly research and office use, at the University of Warwick's Wellesbourne Campus, with building heights ranging from one to four storeys across defined character areas. The setting of Charlecote Park must be protected.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section opens the appendices and annexes at the end of the plan, beginning with the glossary. The glossary explains planning terms and acronyms used throughout the document, starting with entries such as accessibility, accessible neighbourhoods, active travel, affordable housing, Air Quality Management Areas, the Annual Monitoring Report and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its purpose is to help readers understand technical language in the plan.