Residents protest new homes amid failing services forming “Save Our Shipston” group.
About 350 residents protested proposed housing plans and object to building 3,000 new homes. The town already had service losses prior, and the Ellen Badger Hospital controversy fueled anger further.
Stratford and Warwick councils want feedback as they are planning where to build houses through 2050. Shipston could get 3,000 new homes, a situation that has led to forming “Save Our Shipston” (SOS). The local paper met with SOS to discuss strong local feelings about development, especially highlighted by around 350 people who came to voice their concerns one morning.
One resident stated Shipston is at its limit, emphasizing that development increased the population by 20% recently. This strains the town’s infrastructure badly.
Medical facilities are scarce, with no hospital beds, while schools are full. The town lacks police and fire stations, and the only bank will close soon. Roads are narrow, with pedestrian safety issues to consider.
Flooding affects the town and nearby villages yearly. Sewage flows into gardens due to building, and SOS believes planned sites miss key criteria. They hope the plans will change.
Shipston’s population is around 6,000 now. The new houses would almost double it, and residents would travel far to work. This is not sustainable, residents say, as they urge people to speak up before March 7.
Politicians from all parties attended the protest and agree that Shipston is not right for more building. One councilor called the idea “bonkers,” citing that some proposed sites seem unrealistic.
Building should come after infrastructure, but it’s usually done the opposite way. The town feels forgotten by the county, having experienced service losses and bank closures lately.
Another councilor listed planning reasons to object, pointing out that sewers cannot handle added population. The Local Plan stresses sustainable travel, but Shipston lacks trains and has poor bus service.
Major employers left Shipston recently, so now, workers must travel far. Planners do not need all the land proposed, since other areas have better infrastructure. Building near Shipston seems unnecessary now.
Land near the Stour River is a growth site option, but social media has images of flooded fields now. These fields may hold new houses too, leading the Flood Action Group to question the plans.
The group has worries about the proposed building sites as the town struggles dealing with flood water. Sewage systems lack capacity as well, and building homes on flood plains needs expensive solutions.
Climate change causes more rain, and future building should account for the new climate. SAFAG supports well-planned building that reflects the current climate and needs improved infrastructure. Current plans are strongly opposed.
Shipston faces declining amenities and jobs. The Ellen Badger Hospital was demolished, and replacement services are uncertain. Beds seem unlikely, unfortunately.
The primary school has limited spaces. The high school is full with no sixth form. The fire station reduced services overall, and the police station closed in 2013.
The only bank, Lloyds, will close in 2025. Sewage treatment is at full capacity too, forcing trucks to remove excess sewage sometimes. Jobs in Shipston declined over 25 years.
Business closures happened too, affecting employment. There is a shortage of green spaces for residents, and the town lacks a rail link. The bus service is limited as well.
Only two bridges cross the Stour River. They are single track bridges also.