A public inquiry is to begin on Tuesday 13 September, following an appeal by Aspen Retirement Ltd and King Edward VI School against the development of land at King Edward VI School, Manor Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon.

The appeal relates to a planning application for the provision of extra care housing comprising 60 apartments plus 33 car parking spaces and enabling development to secure improvements to the existing sports pitches at Manor Road and funding for the new library, and observatory at King Edward VI school with some public access to a restored Guildhall.


Stratford-on-Avon District Council has refused the application on three grounds by amended decision notice dated 26th July 2011. They relate firstly to the town planning use class classification of the actual proposed use, which the Council considers amounts to residential flats, not a residential care use. This in turn, under the Council's adopted planning policy, means a requirement for affordable housing, which has not been offered by the appellants.

Secondly, the Council are concerned about the visual impact caused by the partial loss of open space, which would result from the flatted development.

Finally, the Council does not consider that the planning contributions and enabled works proposed by the appellants would outweigh the harm resulting from the loss of part of the open space, which acts as a green lung within the Bridgetown area of Stratford upon Avon.

The inquiry, expected to last for 6 days, will be held at the Council Offices, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon commencing on the 13th September starting at 10am. A Government Planning Inspector will preside over the inquiry.

(CD)