The Stratford-on-Avon District Council Cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including the South Warwickshire Economic Strategy, options for boosting housing land supply, and the revocation of air quality management areas. They approved a new community grant scheme and noted the progress on the Upper Lighthorne Community Facilities project. The Cabinet also agreed to delegate authority to resolve business rates at the Gateway site.

Housing Land Supply

The Cabinet considered options to boost the supply of deliverable housing land. The report on Options for Boosting the Supply of Housing Land outlined several potential strategies to increase housing land supply, including:

• Reviewing Green Belt boundaries: This would involve assessing the potential for releasing Green Belt land for housing development, which could be controversial due to environmental concerns.
• Increasing housing density: Encouraging higher density development in appropriate locations, such as town centres and near transport hubs, to maximise the use of available land.
• Promoting brownfield development: Prioritising the redevelopment of brownfield sites¹ for housing, which can help to regenerate neglected areas and reduce pressure on greenfield land. The discussion focused on balancing the need for more housing with the desire to protect the environment and maintain the character of the district.

Air Quality Management Areas

The Cabinet considered the revocation of Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in Studley and Stratford-upon-Avon. Air Quality Management Areas are zones where air pollution levels exceed national air quality objectives, requiring local authorities to take action to improve air quality.

The report on 2025 AQMA Revocation noted that air quality had improved in both areas due to various measures, including:

• Reduced traffic emissions
• The introduction of cleaner vehicles
• Improved industrial processes

Following a review of air quality data, it was recommended that the AQMAs be revoked as the air quality objectives were now being met.

Community Grant Scheme

The Cabinet approved the design and award criteria for the Community Grant Scheme, as detailed in the Community Grant Scheme Final Cabinet report. The scheme aims to support local community projects and initiatives that benefit residents of Stratford-on-Avon district. The key features of the scheme include:

• Eligibility criteria: Clear criteria for organisations and projects that can apply for funding.
• Award criteria: A transparent scoring system to assess applications based on their impact, sustainability, and value for money.
• Grant amounts: Defined limits on the amount of funding that can be awarded to individual projects.

The scheme is intended to support a wide range of community activities, such as:

• Community events and festivals
• Environmental improvement projects
• Support services for vulnerable residents

South Warwickshire Economic Strategy

The Cabinet considered a progress update on the South Warwickshire Economic Strategy (SWES) and Action Plan for 2023–2028, as outlined in the SWES Cabinet report. The SWES is a joint initiative between Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council to promote economic growth and prosperity in the region. The strategy focuses on several key areas, including:

• Supporting local businesses: Providing support and resources to help local businesses thrive and grow.
• Attracting investment: Encouraging new businesses and investment to the area.
• Developing skills: Improving the skills and education of the local workforce to meet the needs of employers.
• Promoting tourism: Enhancing the tourism sector to attract more visitors and boost the local economy.

The progress update highlighted the achievements made so far and the challenges that remain in delivering the strategy's objectives. The report also included an information sheet on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).²

Upper Lighthorne Community Facilities

The Cabinet noted the progress and emerging design for the Upper Lighthorne Community Facilities project at the point of concluding Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA Stage 2). The Upper Lighthorne is a development site in Priors Marston. The project aims to provide new community facilities for residents of Upper Lighthorne, including:

• A community centre
• Sports pitches
• Play areas
• Green spaces

The report outlined the design proposals for the facilities and the progress made in securing planning permission and funding.

Scrutiny Protocol

The Cabinet considered a Scrutiny Protocol for Stratford-on-Avon District Council, as detailed in the Report Scrutiny Protocol. Scrutiny is the process by which councillors hold the Cabinet to account for its decisions and actions. The protocol sets out the procedures and principles for conducting effective scrutiny, including:

• The role and responsibilities of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC)
• The process for selecting topics for scrutiny
• The methods for gathering evidence and conducting investigations
• The procedures for reporting findings and recommendations

Stratford Southbound Rail Link

The Cabinet considered the response to the Notice of Motion for Support for Reinstating the Stratford Southbound Rail Link, as presented to the Council meeting held on 8 December 2024, as detailed in the Cabinet 6 Oct 25 - Rail NoM report. The Stratford Southbound Rail Link refers to the rail line that used to connect Stratford-upon-Avon to Honeybourne, and onwards to Cheltenham. The notice of motion called for the council to support the reinstatement of this rail link, which would improve connectivity and accessibility for residents and businesses.