The Stratford-on-Avon Planning Committee met on 13 August 2025, to discuss several planning applications. The committee approved an application for a forest school on Bell Lane in Snitterfield, and another for the demolition of Arden Heath Bungalow to make way for new dwellings, while they refused applications for residential development at The Lodge on Arlescote Road, and for the erection of a walled garden at The Old Rectory in Kinwarton.

Application No. 25/01236/FUL - The Old Rectory, Kinwarton

The committee voted to grant planning application 25/01236/FUL for the removal of a tennis court and associated fencing, the removal of two timber sheds, and the erection of a walled garden with a brick pavilion, traditional back shed, pergola, and bespoke Alitex greenhouse at The Old Rectory in Kinwarton. The decision to grant the application was unanimous.

The reasons for granting permission were that the proposed development was not inappropriate development in the Green Belt¹. The committee found that the development accorded with paragraph 154 (b) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2024, which states:

The provision of appropriate facilities (in connection with the existing use of land or a change of use), including buildings, for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation, cemeteries and burial grounds and allotments; as long as the facilities preserve the openness of the Green Belt and do not conflict with the purposes of including land within it.

Conditions for the approval included:

• A three-year time limit for commencement
• Adherence to the approved plans
• Submission of a sample panel of brickwork, pointing & mortar
• Large scale details of windows, doors, heads & cils or eaves, brick buttresses and plinth details & details of the greenhouse
• The development should be solely for the enjoyment of the main dwelling and not as separate habitable accommodation
• Prior to first use of the development, the timber sheds shall be removed
• A climate change checklist

Application No. 25/01061/PIP - The Lodge, Arlescote Road, Arlescote

The committee voted to refuse planning application 25/01061/PIP for residential development involving the replacement of a two-storey dwelling at The Lodge, Arlescote Road in Arlescote. The vote to refuse the application was 8 in favour and 3 against, with 1 abstention.

The reason for refusal was that the proposed replacement dwelling would be significantly larger than the dwelling it would replace, which was contrary to Policies AS.10 and CS.20 of the Stratford on Avon Core Strategy 2011-2031.

Application No. 24/02664/OUT - Arden Heath Bungalow, Loxley Road, Stratford-upon-Avon

The committee voted to delegate the determination of planning application 24/02664/OUT for the demolition of the existing Arden Heath Bungalow and outbuildings, and the erection of up to six dwellings with associated site works to the Head of Development. This decision was made in line with the Ward Member's withdrawal of objection, and in accordance with the Council's Constitution.

Application No. 25/00771/FUL - Land at Bell Lane, Snitterfield

The committee voted to grant planning application 25/00771/FUL for the change of use of land from agricultural to land for the enjoyment of a Forest School related to an existing children's day nursery on land at Bell Lane in Snitterfield. The decision to grant the application was unanimous.

The approval was subject to nine conditions contained in the report, and four notes, with condition 3 regarding PD Rights removal being reworded as detailed in the Update Sheet.

Councillor Duncan Parker, District Council Ward Member, withdrew from the table for this item and addressed the Committee as Ward Member. Councillor Jonathan Kelsey of Snitterfield Parish Council, James Bessay of Snitterfield Residents Association, Sean Upson, Tamasine Swan (Agent), Mr and Mrs McLeod (Applicants) and James Lee all spoke about the application.

Other Matters

Councillor Stuart Keighley, Chair of the Planning Committee, and Councillors Trevor Harvey, Tom Ballinger, Lynda Organ and Alan Scorer disclosed interests in specific applications, noting they had either visited the sites or knew the applicants, but confirmed they approached the applications with an open mind.

The committee confirmed and signed the minutes of the meeting held on 2 July 2025, which included discussions and decisions on applications 24/02782/VARY for land between Bishop's Itchington and Gaydon, 21/03000/FUL for The Little House, 31 School Lane, Combrook, and 25/00788/FUL for South Lodge, Binton.