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SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE LOCAL PLAN
Potential development sites identified in the Alcester Area
The South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) has identified 7 sites in Alcester for consideration in the Preferred Options Consultation phase, as potential location for development (primarily residential). This includes a large Spatial Growth Area (referred to as ‘SG21’) which has potential capacity for primarily 3,163 dwellings on 158.3 hectares. SG21’s location is left of the A435, in the Cold Comfort area and located between Alcester Heath to the north and the A422 to the south (currently Greenbelt).
The sites have been identified as plots that could be developed – not that they should be. Furthermore, not all sites considered under the SWLP will be required to meet central Government’s housing needs targets. Therefore, while Alcester Town Council (ATC) considers it unlikely that all of these sites will be selected for development under the SWLP, at this stage, none of them can be ruled out.
If you want to look at the interactive map in detail a link is here (scroll in to find Alcester and tick the layers marked HELAA A and HELAA B on the right hand side of the screen.
The Preferred Options phase is currently the subject of public consultation until 7th March 2025.
ATC is preparing a response on behalf of the town, but residents, businesses, community interest groups and other stakeholders are also encouraged to submit comments.
Documentation:
- There is a hard copy of the SWLP and Consultation in Alcester Library.
- The SWLP is online here: https://www.southwarwickshire.org.uk/swlp/preferred-options.cfm
To respond:
- A guide to responding online is here SWLP step by step guide to responding
- Online responses via the portal are preferable but there are paper forms in Alcester Library that can be emailed or posted to Stratford District Council
Public engagement events:
- There is an in-person event being held by the SWLP Team at Alcester Library on Saturday 22 February from 10am-1pm.
- There is an SWLP online webinar on Monday 24 February via Teams. This is the Web link – also available at the bottom of the SWLP webpage: https://www.southwarwickshire.org.uk/swlp/preferred-options.cfm
If you have any questions or queries in relation to how to respond to the SWLP Preferred Options Consultation please contact Alcester Town Council on 01789 766084 or email administration@alcester-tc.gov.uk.
INTEGRATED CARE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Alcester Town Council are working with Warwickshire Association of Local Councils and Warwickshire Community & Voluntary Action to help decision makers understand the specific needs and challenges of our community on health and social care. We are one of five local councils who have worked together to design and deliver a customised survey, unique to our town.
This survey is part of a research campaign which we will be rolling out over the coming months inviting you to contribute your thoughts on health and care in your area. We have developed the survey to be accessible in many ways, online, in person and in group settings. Please help us to inform the delivery of integrated health and care across Warwickshire by taking part in this important research.
To access this survey please click this link
RURAL ENTERPRISE HUB
The Town Council secured a grant for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to create a pilot Rural Enterprise Hub in Alcester.
For more information see https://minervamill.co.uk/support-services/rural-enterprise-hub/
LLOYDS BANK – ALCESTER BRANCH
The Town Council received the news on Friday 28th June that the Alcester branch of Lloyds Bank would be closing in June 2025. The Town Clerk immediately made enquiries with the appropriate authorities explaining that this was the last bank branch in the town.
We are now pleased to announce that Cash Access UK have confirmed that a new Banking Hub will be set up in Alcester. Details are here Banking Hub Leaflet
More information will follow in due course but we are assured that everyday banking facilities will be maintained in the town.
DID YOU KNOW?
Waitrose has launched soft plastic recycling at 295 Waitrose stores, including Alcester. Film and flexible packaging accounts for about 25% of all consumer packaging but is not collected at the kerbside. As long as it’s clean and dry you can now recycle instore soft plastics such as cling film, bubble wrap, plastic bag, baby and pet food pouches.
Warwickshire Fire & Rescue offer free Safe and Well visits to help those most vulnerable in Warwickshire receive some additional safety support. The visits are carried out by firefighters and community fire safety officers and have helped protect thousands of residents across Warwickshire from the risk of fire in their home. Vulnerable residents in Alcester are able to apply for a free Safe and Well visit on the County Council website. For essential advice and information on fire safety in the home, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fire-safety-home
Council and Community Blog posts outlining historical activities and events in Alcester either organised or supported by Alcester Town Council.