Statement for the Stratford Herald re: GOWM decision not to call in Long Marston Masterplan

John Dodds, regional director for St. Modwen, said:

“We are delighted to learn that the Secretary of State has carefully considered St. Modwen’s plans for a £100 million leisure-led mixed use development at the former MOD site in Long Marston and has made the decision not to call in the planning application for determination.

“In December 2009, Stratford on Avon District Council passed a resolution to grant planning permission for the Long Marston Masterplan, and this latest announcement from the Government Office for the West Midlands gives us the green light to continue working closely with the Council to finalise a Section 106 agreement and progress with our plans for this 478-acre site in Warwickshire.

“This news will also be warmly welcomed by the businesses currently located on site, many of whom have shown their support for the Long Marston Masterplan throughout the planning process. A permanent planning consent for Long Marston removes the uncertainty that the existing businesses have experienced. It not only secures 800,000sq m of existing employment space and safeguards hundreds of jobs on site, it also enables to the businesses located at Long Marston to plan for the long term growth of their operations.

“St. Modwen’s vision for Long Marston is for a leisure hub featuring 150 self catering lodges and 150 holiday homes, which will help to build on the District’s thriving tourism offering. An outdoor activity centre and caravan park also form part of the Long Marston Masterplan, together with football and cricket pitches and a rail heritage centre. 500 new homes will provide greater opportunities for those looking to get on or move up the property ladder in and around Long Marston.”

“We are now looking forward to getting on site within the next 12-18 months to commence the road improvements which form part of the Long Marston Masterplan. These works include – amongst other things – junction improvements to the highway network at the junction of Shipston Road and Clifford Lane.”

Statement for the Stratford Herald re: Eco Town

“The Long Marston Masterplan and Middle Quinton Eco Town are completely separate proposals, both answering very distinct briefs – the former in response to Stratford District Council and the latter in response to a Government-led initiative. The timings for the Government’s Eco Town initiative remain uncertain and we are still waiting to hear from the Department for Communities and Local Government as to whether Middle Quinton has made it to the Government’s final shortlist.”