Where are the 12 potential new settlements in South Warwickshire?

By James Smith 13th Jan 2025

Hatton has been identified as one of the most suitable cases for a new settlement (image via SWNS)
Hatton has been identified as one of the most suitable cases for a new settlement (image via SWNS)

Local residents are being asked for their views on 36 potential new housing sites in south Warwickshire - 12 of which could see new settlements created.

Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils have launched the latest consultation on the new South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) - a major document which will decide where and how some 30,000 new homes will be built over the next 25 years.

Having whittled down over 700 potential development sites, the local authorities have shortlisted 36 across the two districts which could be turned into new homes and employment land.

The councils say not all the sites will be needed for new homes, which is one of the reasons they have asked locals for their views.

Potential new housing sites around South Warwickshire (image via SWLP)

Public documents detailing the proposed 12 new settlements have already started to rank them, according to how suitable the councils currently think they are.

Four of the 12 are considered the most suitable.

We have taken a quick look at the potential locations and what the SWLP reports have said about them.

See the full report here.

The full list of the potential new settlements (image via SWLP)

Land at Hatton 

  • Suitability: More Suitable 
  • Size: 403 hectares
  • Capacity: 8,156 homes
  • District: Warwick
  • Green belt: Yes
  • Land ownership: More than 10 owners

Some 403 hectares of land in Hatton could be developed into a new settlement if the area is chosen.

These developments - which would mostly be in the green belt - would necessitate a new secondary school and up to six new primary schools to be built.

Land around Hatton which could be turned into houses (image via SWLP)

The council's reports also state the fact land in Hatton is already being actively promoted for development is a major plus for choosing the village.

Residents have already voiced their serious opposition to the proposal for 4,500 houses to be built on land owned by the Arkwright Family around Hatton Station.

The rail connections to the village are also seen as a benefit.

Land at Long Marston Airfield

  • Suitability: More Suitable 
  • Size: 579 hectares
  • Capacity: 9,850 homes
  • District: Stratford
  • Green belt: No
  • Land ownership: 'Numerous'

Development could start here in 2032 - five years earlier than most of the other sites suggested.

However, the report does say employment opportunities would be needed given the distance from other local areas.

Houses are already suggested for this area, but adding more would require another three primary schools and secondary school to be built.

The summary says: "Sufficient land being promoted to assist deliverability, however key transport constraints."

Land east of Leamington Spa and Whitnash

  • Suitability: More Suitable 
  • Size: 324 hectares
  • Capacity: 6,480 homes
  • District: Both
  • Green belt: No
  • Land ownership: More than 10 parties

Almost half the land in the parcel was put forward in the call for sites, suggesting there is appetite for it to be developed.

There is concern for the close proximity to other urban areas, and there are questions about the availability of employment land here.