Character of Stratford 'under threat' from developers

Steve Hayes
Stratford Observer

Campaigners issued the stark warning ahead of a public examination of a draft strategy setting out the future of the region today (Thursday).

Environmental group, Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), singled out the proposed Middle Quinton eco-town at Long Marston as well as proposals for a housing development and relief road in Shottery as particular concerns.

They come as the draft long-term planning policy for the West Midlands was set to go before interested parties and the public for discussion in Wolverhampton today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday).

CPRE said the strategy, which will set out the overall future of the region's growth until 2021, must avoid massive housing developments in the area to preserve countryside.

They claim controversial plans for a housing development in Shottery to accompany the building of a relief road would 'threaten the character' of Stratford and its attraction to tourists.

And they say the proposed Middle Quinton eco-town at Long Marston would be incapable of meeting desired principles and require infrastructure for which funding would be unlikely.

Residents Against Shottery Expansion (RASE) spokesman, Alan Marks, said the proposed development would 'shatter the peace and tranquillity' of the area.

He said: "The related housing would swamp the village of Shottery and create an urban sprawl around the Cottage (Anne Hathaway's). To proceed with such an intrusive development, posing such a threat to a heritage site of international importance, there would need to be overwhelming benefit. In fact there is none. The proposed development cannot be justified."

And this week shadow Environment Secretary Nick Herbert MP joined several high profile opponents to speak out against the Middle Quinton development.

Joining protest group BARD at the Long Marston site, Mr Herbert said: "Decisions of this kind should be taken by local communities through their elected councillors, not imposed by central diktat from an arrogant Government that thinks it knows best.

"There's nothing ‘eco' about building thousands of houses on greenfield land, irrevocably changing a tranquil rural area."

Peter Langley, of CPRE, said: "With developers champing at the bit, it is vital that the character and environmental quality of our beautiful towns and open countryside is not compromised.

"Reckless, poorly thought out development agreed now on the back of questionable long term forecasts will come back to haunt the area in future years, and damage the very qualities that make it so sought after."

Following the public examination in Wolverhampton an independent panel will report to the Government on how the strategy might be improved before the Government issues proposed changes taking account of their recommendations.

The Secretary of State then makes any final amendments in the light of the responses and issues the final strategy.