Housing strategy: We have responded to the Local Transport Plan strategy LTP3.

 

It is clear that the LTP3 consultation document, in its present form, does not reflect policy changes introduced by the new government, particularly regarding housing development. Planned spending cuts by government departments may also have a significant impact on the transport plan. We would ask that a review of the implications of these changes is carried out, once their full extent has been announced, and a revised consultation document produced. Our response to the document can be seen here.

 

 

Allotments.  The Town Council have produced a draft policy paper on allotment provision.  It is quite clear that supply exceeds demand and the paper has many interesting ideas.  Stratford Voice supports the provision of more allotments and our response to the draft proposals can be seen here.

 

Stratford Voice Committee.  There has been a change in the way that we have found it necessary to work. In the past we have protested against what we saw were unwanted changes to our town (for example the pedestrian bridge over the Avon and the desecration of the Bancroft). Although there will be still campaigns to run (for example the Lucy's Mill Bridge improvements) we can now take a more measured pace in directing the Committee's efforts.  Our revised arrangements can be seen here.

HOWEVER WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP AND/OR JOIN IN THESE ACTIVITIES. PLEASE CONTACT US VIA enquiries@stratfordvoice.org.uk.

 

 

Stratford Parkway station: The committee is concerned that the proposal may take so much business away from the town station that the town station's future is in doubt.  The County Council tries to assure us that this won't happen, but they are not in a position to guarantee it because the rail companies will eventually decide what is economically viable.  The forecast usage figures for the two stations assumes that the massive new housing developments (see above) will actually happen, which is now in doubt following the new government's intentions.We are in regular contact with the County on this matter and have attended the various meetings that have been held.

 

Waitrose/southern park & ride: At the Planning Meeting we were opposed to this development as any committment by WCC to a Southern Park and Ride seems to be missing. Without this WCC support it may just end up as the Waitrose car park with limited parking time where existing bus services may call.  That is not a park & ride system as we understand it.

 

The revised Cattle Market plans: The residential element appears to be an improvement over the original plans.  We remain concerned that there is still no provision for a proper bus station and that access has not been properly thought out.  The idea of two-way traffic access via Western Road would have a major impact on businesses there as well as risking yet more congestion at the Birmingham Road junction.

 

Poundland: This is a popular business in the town, and we wish it well.  We object only to the unsuitable advertising signage, so we are pleased to see that the appeal against the council's decision to refuse planning permission has now been turned down.  We will keep pressure on the council to ensure that more tasteful signage is installed, and also to issue more positive guidance on signage in future. Just a walk around the town will show how present SDC guidelines have not been applied in many circumstances. 

 

Local democracy:  We continue with our campaign to improve the way public consultation is carried out, following several cases where it has been done without proper publicity, where meetings have been held at inconvenient times at short notice, where few people have been able to take part, where questions have been' leading' or biased, results compiled in secret or the outcome ignored without any justification-as happened with the Housing Consultation when this was completely ignored and plans for huge developments put forward.

 

FINALLY - another reminder that we cannot run campaigns without funds!  All 2010 subscriptions were due on 1st March.  Thanks to all those who have now renewed or set up standing orders.  But if you haven't already done so, please send your cheque (£5 per person) in to: Stratford Voice, PO Box 4700, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 1FB.  No need to fill in a form if you just write your name & address on the back of the cheque.  Thanks.