Kenilworth residents are to be given the opportunity to say where development should take place in South Warwickshire, as a consultation on a new local plan has been announced.

The consultation comes as part of an ongoing merger between Warwick and Stratford District Councils.

The plan will guide the councils in identifying future development sites for housing, jobs, infrastructure and open space. The plan will also address the important issues of climate change, wellbeing, connectivity and biodiversity.

This initial consultation will seek views on the main issues facing the South Warwickshire area and will create a long term plan to be in place until 2050.

The decision to undertake public consultation was made at the joint cabinet executive committee yesterday (14 April).

Once complete, this new local plan will replace the plans already in place for both councils.

As well as asking for opinions on proposals the two councils are also inviting a 'call for sites' - suggestions for land that can be developed in the future.

The consultation will run from 10 May to 21 June 2021, detailed information about the consultation and call for sites exercise will be available to view online from 10 May onwards.

Tony Perks, deputy chief executive at Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: "This consultation is the first step on a journey that will result in a development plan which will help determine the future shape of South Warwickshire.

"Local plans need to balance conflicting demands and to ensure that we produce the best possible plan it is vital that we hear the views of those who will be affected by it. I encourage you to engage positively and share your views through this consultation process."

Philip Clarke, head of development services at Warwick District Council says: "This new local plan will be the first to be prepared jointly by our two Councils. Both Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick Districts share many similar characteristics and face similar challenges.

"The South Warwickshire Local Plan provides an opportunity to consider these together and to focus on the issues which are important to our residents, such as the climate change and housing.

"This consultation is very much the first stage as we plan the future of South Warwickshire and we would encourage everybody to become involved in helping us to do this and to have their say."

More information can be found on the WDC website.

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