Landowner guideThe South Warwickshire Local Plan: what it means for landowners
A plain-English update for landowners in Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick districts. Last checked 16 October 2026.
In short: Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils are preparing one joint plan for where new homes and jobs go. The final public consultation closed on 8 September 2026. The councils aim to submit it for independent examination by the end of 2026, with adoption planned for 2028.
What is the South Warwickshire Local Plan?
It's a joint local plan being prepared by Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council. Once adopted, it will guide planning decisions across both districts, including which sites are allocated for new housing.
Where is it up to?
- Issues and Options consultation: ended 6 March 2023.
- Preferred Options consultation, with a targeted call for sites: 10 January to 7 March 2025.
- Publication (Regulation 19) consultation: 21 July to 8 September 2026, now closed. This was the last formal chance to comment before submission.
What happens next?
The councils' timetable (revised December 2025) sets out:
- Submission to the government: December 2026
- Examination in public by an independent inspector: January to October 2027
- Consultation on proposed changes: November to December 2027
- Adoption: March 2028
Timetables can and do slip. Check the councils' own pages for the latest dates.
How does grey belt fit in?
National policy now asks councils reviewing Green Belt boundaries to look first at previously developed land, then grey belt, before other Green Belt land. Grey belt is Green Belt land that doesn't strongly contribute to certain Green Belt purposes. Major housing on land released from the Green Belt is expected to meet the “Golden Rules” on affordable housing, infrastructure and green space. See our grey belt guide for details.
What might this mean for you?
- If your land was put forward in a call for sites, the examination is where allocations get tested. Promoters often take part.
- If your land isn't in the plan, that isn't always the end. Planning applications are decided on national and local policy at the time, and future plan reviews happen.
- Nothing is guaranteed. Every site depends on its location, constraints and the council's evidence.
- A land promoter can look at your land's prospects at no cost to you. I can introduce you to one. I don't sell or value land myself.
Own land in South Warwickshire?
Request a free, no-obligation appraisal and I'll introduce you to a promoter who can look properly.
Sources
Important: this guide is general information only and is not legal, planning or financial advice. Arden Land Partners is not an estate agent or planning consultancy. We introduce landowners to land promoters.