FAQ
Are new homes needed in Hockley Heath?
Warwick District Council currently has a 1.96‑year housing land supply, significantly below the national requirement for five years of deliverable land. This shortfall means the Council must consider sustainable, well‑located sites that can contribute towards meeting local housing needs. Hockley Heath is identified in the emerging South Warwickshire Local Plan (2025–2050) as a potential growth location because of its accessibility, community facilities and strong transport connections.
How is this site suitable for development?
Land East of Stratford Road sits directly beside the existing village, within easy walking distance of shops, services and public transport. It benefits from strong connections to Stratford Road and Aylesbury Road, several Public Rights of Way, and convenient access to the M42, M40 and A34. These characteristics make it a sustainable edge‑of‑village location, aligning with national planning policy, which encourages development in places where people can walk, cycle or use public transport for daily needs.
Why are these proposals coming forward now, before the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) is adopted?
The South Warwickshire Local Plan is still being prepared and will cover the period 2025–2050. In the 2025 Preferred Options consultation, Hockley Heath was highlighted as a potential growth location, so the area is already under formal review by both Warwick District Council and Stratford‑on‑Avon District Council.
Warwick District currently has a significant shortfall in its housing land supply, meaning the Council must consider sustainable sites that can help meet local needs even before the SWLP is finalised. Bringing forward early design work allows the proposals to be shaped by local feedback, aligned with emerging policy, and informed by detailed technical assessments. This ensures any future planning application is evidence‑based, community‑led and consistent with the direction of the long‑term planning strategy.
What is the ‘Grey Belt’ and how does it relate to this site?
The Government’s updated National Planning Policy Framework (December 2024) introduced the idea of the grey belt, recognising that some areas of the Green Belt perform a weaker role and may be suitable for sustainable development if they deliver clear benefits. These benefits include new green space, better walking and cycling routes, stronger biodiversity and increased affordable housing. The approach at Stratford Road aligns with this direction, with early work focused on a country park, community facilities, extensive open space, new habitats and landscape‑led design.
How would the proposals improve access to green space and nature?
Today, much of the land is private farmland with limited public access. The proposals would open up around 19 hectares of publicly accessible green space, including a new country park, woodland planting, meadows, wildlife corridors and natural play areas. These spaces build on the site’s existing hedgerows, tree belts and veteran oak trees, creating a landscape‑led setting that enhances biodiversity and makes the countryside more accessible to the community.
How will walking, cycling and local connections be improved?
The site already contains several Public Rights of Way that link into the village and surrounding countryside. These routes would be retained, upgraded and connected into new green corridors across the site. Additional paths would link homes with the country park, play areas and village facilities, making walking and cycling easier for short everyday journeys. A new primary street between Stratford Road and Aylesbury Road would also support safe access and potential future bus routes.
Will there be a new primary school?
The Masterplan includes safeguarded land for a one‑form‑entry primary school with expansion land. This means space is reserved, but a school would only be delivered if the local education authority confirms a need for additional places in the future. Safeguarding the land now ensures the option is available if required.
How will traffic and environmental impacts be assessed?
A full package of technical work is underway, covering transport, flood risk, drainage, ecology, landscape, heritage, archaeology, noise, air quality and utilities. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Request has been submitted to both Warwick District Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. This confirms the detailed environmental topics that must be assessed before any planning application is submitted.
How can I give my feedback on the proposals?
You can share your views via the Feedback page on this website. All comments will be reviewed as the proposals are refined before any planning applications are prepared. The project team welcomes feedback from residents, local organisations and stakeholders during this consultation.