ALCESTER residents, businesses and other interested parties have one last chance to add their opinions to the district’s core strategy document, before it gets submitted for Government approval next month.

The document, which has been published in its final version ahead of being sent to the Government for independent examination, covers planning in the district up to the year 2031, identifying broad locations, scale and the type of developments and supporting infrastructure which should take place over time.

It also looks at issues such as quality of life, the environment, housing, education, community safety and the economy, and will form a large part of the arguments used in future when granting or denying large scale planning applications.

The document recommends building 10,800 new homes in the Stratford district (an average of 540 a year), including 3,000 already earmarked for construction at Gaydon and Lighthorne Health.

Councillor Chris Saint, leader of Stratford District Council, said: “This stage is different from previous consultations as we are now required to ask residents and other interested parties if they believe that the plan is sound and whether we’ve provided enough evidence to support our proposals. This is clearly an important milestone in the future of the district, as we formally define how we will manage the range and location of development up to 2031. I will particularly welcome views from the public at this stage of the plan, even if they have made comments previously. This plan is the document that defines what we do in the public interest and any new comments will be considered by the planning inspector before it can be formally adopted.”

To view the document, visit stratford.gov.uk/corestrategy or call Planning Policy on 01789 260334. Representations to the planning inspector must be submitted on the prescribed form so that it is clear to the inspector, what case is being made and, where applicable, how people wish the plan to be modified.

This can be done by downloading the form from the core strategy website and emailing it to planning.policy@stratford-dc.gov.uk, or posting it to: FREEPOST RSLH – ZYKJ – TYAZ, Stratford on Avon DC, PO BOX 5341, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 1LE.

Alternatively, people can print out a comment form and hand it in at the offices at Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HX, or the can visit the offices where a form can be provided for them to fill out.

Comments on the document, must be received by the district council by 5pm on July 17.