Step 1. How to Comment or Object to Planning Applications on the Stratford E-Planning Website

1. Go to the application you would like to comment on (Direct links to the applications are listed below)
2. You will land on a page that looks like this
   
3. Click on the comments tab (as highlighted in orange below)
   
4. Read the “Important Information” section carefully
5. Scroll down the page and carefully fill in the comment form
6. Click on the “SubmitForm” button under the comment form

Direct Links to Planning Applications on the Stratford E-Planning Website

1. Unique Planning Reference Number: 25/01843/OUT – Land South of Darlingscote Road Shipston – See Planning Application »
2. Unique Planning Reference Number: 25/01863/OUT – Land Off Shoulderway Lane Shipston-on-Stour – See Planning Application »
3. Unique Planning Reference Number: 24/00303/OUT – Land at Hansen Farm Webb Road Shipston-on-Stour – See Planning Application »
4. Unique Planning Reference Number: 25/01521/OUT – Land North Of Darlingscote Road Shipston – See Planning Application »
5. Unique Planning Reference Number: 25/01810/OUT – Land North of Tilemans Lane Shipston – See Planning Application »
6. Land off Hanson Avenue Shipston – Outline Planning Application Coming Soon »

Email or Post Your Comments to Stratford-on-Avon District Council

Alternatively you can email your comments to planning.applications@stratford-dc.gov.uk or send them in the post, within the three week statutory publicity period.

When making representations please only provide information (including personal details) which you are happy for other people to view.

If you do not want your comments to appear on the council’s website, they will be treated as anonymous. Anonymous representations will usually be given less weight in the determination of a planning application.

Ensure you include the Unique Planning Reference Number and site name (listed above) When commenting

Postal address for Planning Comments

The Planning Admin team
Elizabeth House
Church Street
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 6HX

What issues can I refer to when making representations?

When considering an application, the council has to balance people’s rights to use or develop their property against public interests and concerns. To do this we carefully weigh all material considerations. These include:

• Stratford-on-Avon Core Strategy
• government guidance
• case law and previous decisions
• effect on the enjoyment of neighbouring properties
• design, appearance and layout
• conservation of the built and natural environment
• highway safety and traffic

The following are irrelevant in reaching planning decisions and therefore cannot be taken into account:

• loss of view over other people’s land
• effect on the value of property
• possible future development
• developer’s motives
• private property rights (e.g. boundaries or access)
• matters covered by other laws, e.g. alcohol licences

Step2. Guidance on Objecting to Planning Applications

If you’re objecting to a planning application in Shipston-on-Stour, referencing the Core Strategy from Stratford-on-Avon District Council is a key part of building a strong case. Here’s a guide on how to structure your objection and which Core Strategy policies may be relevant.

How to Object to a Planning Application (Using the Core Strategy)

1. Know the Core Strategy
Stratford-on-Avon Core Strategy is the statutory development plan, setting out policies for development across the district, including Shipston-on-Stour. Your objection should reference specific policies in the Core Strategy that the application conflicts with.

Common Core Strategy Policies You Might Reference

1. Policy CS.1 – Sustainable Development
   All development should be sustainable in terms of location, scale, and impact on the environment.
   If the application is for large or inappropriate development, argue that:
   It’s not sustainably located (e.g. remote from town services or public transport).
   It encourages car use.
   It negatively impacts climate change goals.
2. Policy CS.15 – Distribution of Development
   Focuses development in main towns and large villages.
   If the development is outside the town boundary or in open countryside, you can argue:
   The location is not in line with the development hierarchy.
   Shipston has already taken a significant share of development, and more will unbalance infrastructure and services.
3. Policy CS.16 – Housing Development
   Seeks to manage housing growth in line with local needs and infrastructure capacity.
   Use this if:
   The proposal exceeds Shipston’s housing targets.
   There is no proven local housing need.
   Infrastructure (schools, health, roads) is already under pressure.
4. Policy CS.5 – Landscape
   Seeks to protect and enhance the character of the landscape.
   Object if:
   The development affects Cotswolds AONB, rural views, or local character.
   It will urbanise open countryside or prominent landscape areas.
5. Policy CS.6 – Natural Environment
   Protects biodiversity and habitats.
   Argue if:
   The site supports protected species or priority habitats.
   There is inadequate ecological assessment.
6. Policy CS.9 – Design and Distinctiveness
   Requires development to respect the character and appearance of the area.
   Use this if:
   The design is out of keeping with the area.
   It causes overdevelopment, poor layout, or loss of local identity.
7. Policy AS.6 – Shipston-on-Stour Area Strategy
   This is specifically about Shipston.
   You should read this policy in detail. It outlines:
   Shipston’s role as a Main Rural Centre.
   Limits on further large-scale development.
   Need to protect the town’s character, infrastructure, and environment.
   Strong objection grounds include:
   The development does not align with the local vision for Shipston.
   It causes strain on local facilities or harms town identity.

Tips for Writing Your Objection

Be specific: Quote policies by number (e.g., “Policy CS.15”).
Stick to planning grounds: Avoid emotional or personal arguments.
Support with evidence: Photos, traffic stats, ecological reports, etc.

Where to Submit Your Objection

You can object by:
Online: On the Stratford-on-Avon District Council planning portal.
Email or letter to the Planning Department. – planning.applications@stratford-dc.gov.uk

The Planning Admin team
Elizabeth House
Church Street
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 6HX

Make sure you quote the planning application reference number and site address (listed below).

1. Unique Planning Reference Number: 25/01843/OUT – Land South of Darlingscote Road Shipston – See Planning Application »
2. Unique Planning Reference Number: 25/01863/OUT – Land Off Shoulderway Lane Shipston-on-Stour – See Planning Application »
3. Unique Planning Reference Number: 24/00303/OUT – Land at Hansen Farm Webb Road Shipston-on-Stour – See Planning Application »
4. Unique Planning Reference Number: 25/01521/OUT – Land North Of Darlingscote Road Shipston – See Planning Application »
5. Unique Planning Reference Number: 25/01810/OUT – Land North of Tilemans Lane Shipston – See Planning Application »
6. Land off Hanson Avenue Shipston – Outline Planning Application Coming Soon »