1. Foreword

1.0.1 This document, the modified NDP, is an update of the “made” Tysoe Neighbourhood Development Plan (the Made Plan) which was formally adopted by Stratford District Council (SDC or the District Council) in February 2022 following a referendum of Tysoe residents.

1.0.2 The Made Plan was developed over several years (see documents on  https://tysoe-pc.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan-documentation/ ) and involved considerable consultation with village residents and statutory consultees and reflects the views and aspirations of those residents.

1.0.3 The Made Plan will reach its 5^th anniversary in February 2027, at which time the evidence supporting its policies would be out of date and the Plan’s policies may be given reduced or limited weight in planning decisions (NPPF S6 1a). Tysoe Parish Council has therefore undertaken a review to modify the Made Plan to ensure continued compliance with national guidelines.

1.1 Modification process

1.1.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published in August 2026, requires a more streamlined document than the Made Plan. Much of the background material which was contained in the Made Plan has been removed and is available on the Tysoe Parish Council website. Supporting evidence, assessments and public consultation results are also available at https://tysoe-pc.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan-documentation/ 

1.1.2 NPPF policy PM6 requires that local plans should not include policies which duplicate, substantively restate or are inconsistent with the content of national decision-making policies. The new local plan must only include policies that extend beyond site or location-specific requirements where these are necessary and where plan-makers consider there is a clear and justified reason for inclusion.

1.1.3 NPPF policy PM6 has therefore resulted in a substantial reduction in the policies contained in the modified NDP.

1.1.4 Village residents were consulted on the proposed changes to the Made Plan in village meetings and the process of compliance with the NPPF was explained.

1.1.5 The results of a Housing Needs Survey, carried out in August/September 2026, are included in this modified NDP. The modified NDP, therefore, includes a current view of the housing needs of Tysoe residents.

1.1.6 The District Council have confirmed that Tysoe has met its requirement to provide at least 49 houses in the period to the end of 2032. This requirement is met by:

1. Permission being granted for the development of 31 houses (including 11 “affordable” houses) on a site off Sandpits Road in Middle Tysoe;
2. The provision of a Strategic Reserve site (see Housing Policy 1) for approximately 16 houses; and …
3. Permission being granted for the conversion to permanent dwellings of 3 redundant farm buildings in Lower Tysoe. 

1.1.7 Tysoe Parish Council expect that further “windfall” developments may be granted permission in the plan period. As a result of this housing supply provision, no further development sites have been proposed.

1.1.8 A Regulation 14 version of the modified NDP was made available to residents and statutory consultees for consultation on XXXX 2026. 

1.1.9 Approval of the final version of the modified NDP will be by public referendum in which all those registered on the parish electoral role will be eligible to vote.

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2. Keeping Tysoe special

2.1 Building for the future

2.1. 1 A single Built-up Area Boundary has been established within the village. This boundary surrounds Middle and Upper Tysoe. 

2.1.2 A Settlement Gap has been designated between Lower and Middle Tysoe (see Natural Environment Policy 3 and Map 2, page xx). The settlement gap ensures that the open countryside and views from the Cotswolds National Landscape are preserved. It also prevents the coalescence of the settlements and, thereby, protects the character of each settlement.

2.1.3 The Built-up Area Boundary defines where development is acceptable in principle.

2.2 Housing

2.2.1 The expansion of housing within Tysoe should continue at a steady rate. Such “organic” growth will continue to support the social and economic viability of the community while maintaining the rural character of the parish. Consultation carried out for the Housing Needs Survey in August/September 2026 (see  https://tysoe-pc.gov.uk/housing-needs-survey/ ) reinforced the view that any new housing should …

1. be in small, ideally in-fill, developments …
2. which complement the vernacular architecture …
3. with an appropriate density of housing and …
4. protect the natural, built and historic heritage. 

2.2. 2 Ideally new development should provide smaller two and three bedroom homes to counterbalance the predominance of 4 and 5 bedroom properties. The village will endeavour to provide dwellings for people with links to the local community (see Housing Needs Survey at https://tysoe-pc.gov.uk/housing-needs-survey/ ).

2.2. 3 A Housing Needs Survey conducted in August/September 2026 indicates a requirement for 9 affordable dwellings for people with a local connection. This is supported by the District Council’s Home Choice Plus system which identifies a need for XX dwellings for people with a local connection. The Housing Needs Survey also identifies a need for 4 small homes for residents to downsize to. The Parish Council believe that these needs will be met by the development off Sandpits Road recently given permission (see paragraph 1.1.6 i).

2.3 Local businesses and services supporting a strong community

2.3. 1 The village will continue to have a vibrant centre, where services flourish and community activities are enjoyed. To ensure a sustainable village, existing businesses and services will be supported and encouraged to develop. For those under threat of closure or loss, opportunities for community initiatives should be sought. Business sites will be preserved and start-ups encouraged.

2.3. 2 All new homes should offer flexible space to enable working from home to provide further employment opportunities. Conversions to provide space for business use within existing homes will be encouraged provided that such use is not detrimental to the existing residential area (i.e. does not impinge on neighbours’ views or their quiet enjoyment of the residential area).

2.4 The natural environment

2.4. 1 The Plan encourages the preservation of the natural environment and protection of the rural context of the village (views, wildlife, plants, windmill and National Landscape). The village values and supports its farms and those who manage them. The maintenance and preservation of historic green spaces, including the settlement gap between Lower and Middle Tysoe, is a crucial part of this vision (see Natural Environment Policy 2 – Locally Designated Sites and Areas of Landscape Importance).

2.4. 2 In common with the District Council, Tysoe Parish Council has endorsed the Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan which contains planning guidelines and guidance for matters such as Dark Skies.

2.5 The built environment

2.5. 1 The historic aspects of the village (the church, well heads, the Conservation Areas, and the historic buildings) with their associated ridge and furrow fields will be protected. Design and build standards of new developments will be in the character of the traditional buildings conforming to village design standards wherever possible, including the choice of exterior building materials, pitch of roofs etc. Designing for the prevention of crime through the “secure by design” principles will also be a consideration. Unless there are site-specific reasons, all new development should conform to the Village Design Statement (see Appendix 1).

2.6 Infrastructure and community facilities

2.6. 1 The plan will make clear that planned developments should include proposals that do not degrade the existing infrastructure. In this context the capacity of the roads and drainage system should be considered when creating new developments.

2.6. 2 Due to the remote nature of Tysoe, the community will remain very dependent on cars for the foreseeable future. Traffic and parking must be well managed while working with the relevant authorities to provide adequate public transport to and from the village.

2.6. 3 The Plan will support and encourage community facilities and actively seek to provide quality experiences within the school, playgroups and recreation facilities. It will ensure that provision for health care facilities is to a high standard and able to meet the demands of the village residents whether provided via the current doctors’ surgery or in other purpose-built structures.

3. Summary of Policies

3.1 Housing – the Plan will:

• Identify where houses might be located
• Ensure that development in the parish should comply with the Village Design Statement
• Give emphasis to the construction of appropriate homes (1 – 3 bedrooms) as identified in the Housing Needs Survey
• Provide the opportunity for rural exception to meet the identified affordable housing need of the parish
• Encourage small rather than large developments which might overwhelm the infrastructure and rural character of the village
• Promote the design of dwellings that conform to “secure by design” principles
• Make provision for affordable homes to meet partially the identified need

3.2 Environment and sustainability – the Plan will:

• Encourage the protection of the rural setting of Tysoe in all future planning decisions and developments
• Ensure that the impact of new building does not harm the surrounding natural landscape
• Support the Campaign to Protect Rural England Dark Skies policy which requires street lighting to be turned off between midnight and 5am

3.3 Protected areas – the Plan will: 

• Identify, maintain and protect areas of valued landscapes, Heritage Assets and areas of important geodiversity and biodiversity
• Preserve views to and from the Cotswolds National Landscape.
• Encourage wildlife diversity as identified by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

3.4 Infrastructure – the Plan will: 

• Identify where and how developers’ financial contributions to the parish infrastructure projects – for example the local health service, the school and community projects – are spent

3.5 Employment, community and transportation – the Plan will:

• Support the part conversion of existing homes for business use where there is no detriment to neighbouring housing
• Encourage local business premises to provide flexible office space for local residents

4. Housing

4.1 Strategic Objective

4.1. 1 The objective is to maintain a rate of housing development within the neighbourhood area which will continue to support the needs of the community socially and economically while protecting and enhancing the natural, built and historic environment.

4.1. 2 Map 2, page xx, defines the Built-up Area Boundary. Map 1, page xx, defines the Neighbourhood Area to which the modified NDP refers.

4.2 Housing provision

4.2. 1 Permission has been granted for the development of 31 houses, with 11 designated as “affordable houses”, on a site off Sandpits Road. Building of these homes had not been started when consultation on this modified NDP began. In addition, permission has been granted for the conversion of 3 redundant farm buildings into permanent dwellings at the Home Farm site in Lower Tysoe. Again, conversion work had not been started when consultation began. 

4.2. 2 A Strategic Reserve site has been identified at Herberts Farm in Middle Tysoe for approximately 16 houses. See Housing Policy 1, page xx.

4.2. 3 The District Council has confirmed that the developments and Reserve Site, identified in 4.2. 1 and 4.2. 3, provide adequate housing supply for the period to the end of 2032.

4.2. 4 The District Council’s Core Strategy, the emerging South Warwickshire Local Plan and the NPPF contain policies which discuss the appropriate mix of housing size. However, the Parish Council will encourage the development of two or three-bedroom homes to fulfil the local housing need as identified in the Housing Needs Survey (see https://tysoe-pc.gov.uk/housing-needs-survey/ ).

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Housing Policy 1 – Strategic Reserve

The Plan safeguards land at Herbert’s Farm as shown on Map 2 as a reserve housing site (with the potential for future development of up to 16 houses).

The safeguarded site will only be released during the Plan period if it can be demonstrated through submission of evidence that there is an identified housing need for its early release having regard to the criteria in Policy CS.16 of the Core Strategy 2011-2031.

4.3 Explanation

4.3. 1 The Plan has identified a potential site as a strategic reserve site which will be protected from development until such time as a specific, evidence-based need for new housing arises. This site is included in the emerging South Warwickshire Local Plan as a potential development site. The development of this site will need to incorporate a satisfactory and safe vehicular access. It will also need to address a series of issues relating to heritage assets in this part of the village. The Parish Council considers that any harm can be mitigated by sympathetic design and careful use of materials. As development is only anticipated on a small area fronting Saddledon Street, any potential development could be undertaken without affecting the future functioning and viability of the working farm. In this context the existing farm buildings could be relocated elsewhere on the wider farm holding.

5. Employment

5.1 Strategic Objective

5.1. 1 The objective is to encourage opportunities to increase local working and reduce the number of vehicle journeys, thereby contributing to community stability.

Employment Policy 1 – Live-work units

Proposals for small-scale mixed-use developments (new build or conversion), comprising commercial space and living space will be supported subject to the following criteria.

They should:

1. have appropriate access to both uses.
2. have an appropriate level of off-road parking to serve both uses.
3. have an internal layout and design that ensures that residential and work uses can operate without conflict.
4. retain the character of a domestic dwelling, including grounds and curtilage. 

5.2 Explanation

5.2. 1 The need to support small-scale businesses within the Neighbourhood Area is noted in Policy E4 of the NPPF.

5.2. 2 The Parish Council recognises the need to encourage small-scale businesses to thrive within the community along with the need to minimize vehicle journeys to and from the place of work. The Plan defines the criteria that developments should meet to be supported by the Parish Council.

6.  Natural Environment

6.1 Strategic Objective

6.1. 1 The objective is to safeguard the natural environment by protecting the local green spaces. Protection of the rural environment (the Cotswolds National Landscape, the wildlife and the cherished views including ancient ridge and furrow fields) is of high importance to villagers.

6.1. 2 In addition to the policies contained in the NPPF, Tysoe Parish Council have endorsed the Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan which contains guidance on matters such as Dark Skies. Evidence of conformance with these policies is required to be included in any planning applications for developments within or visible from the Cotswolds National Landscape.

Natural Environment Policy 1 – Designated Local Green Space

This Plan designates areas of Local Green Space as defined by the following numbers on the Policies Map (Map 2, page xx):

4. School playing field, off Main Street
5. Recreation ground, Main Street
6. Sports ground, Main Street
7. Allotments, Shenington Road
8. War memorial, Main Street
9. Pond and paddock, Sandpits Road
10. Public Open Space, Sandpits Road

Proposals for development within designated Local Green Spaces will only be supported in very special circumstances.

2. Explanation

6.2. 1 Policy DP3 of the NPPF includes the need to provide and protect areas that facilitate and encourage social interaction, play and healthy lifestyles by the provision of a variety of recreational spaces.

Local green spaces add to the tranquillity of the Neighbourhood Area and provide protection for a diverse range of wildlife. Policy 1 identifies that development will only be supported within the designated spaces in very special circumstances. Inevitably, the District Council will have their own opinions as to the extent to which any development proposal might comply with this important component of national planning policy. However, in general terms, proposals which would enhance existing uses in the designated spaces, whilst retaining their open character and community value, could be considered as very special circumstances.

6.2.2 Tysoe Parish Council have endorsed Warwickshire County Council’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). The LNRS is a key strategy that outlines a roadmap for restoring and improving the natural environment and ensuring that it is sustainable now and for future generations. The LNRS interactive map can be inspected at https://maps.warwickshire.gov.uk/LNRS/ 

Natural Environment Policy 2 – Protected Settlement Gap

Development proposals should ensure the retention of the historic open character between Middle Tysoe and Lower Tysoe. Proposals for the re-use of rural buildings, agricultural and forestry-related development, playing fields, other open land use and minor extensions to existing dwellings in the area between the two settlements off Tysoe Road will be supported where they would preserve the separation between the two settlements and retain their individual and distinct character and appearance. Other forms of development not specifically listed in this policy will not be supported within the open countryside between the two settlements.

6.3 Explanation

6.3.1 This policy seeks to protect the essential countryside character of the important area between the settlements of Middle Tysoe and Lower Tysoe. Its ambition is to prevent coalescence between these separate settlements and to protect their distinctive individual character and setting. In doing so, it will conserve the way that the main settlements sit within the wider landscape, retain an open agricultural landscape and keep a clear “rural” buffer between the settlements.

6.3.2 This policy seeks to prevent any further reduction of the open countryside gap between the two settlements. This applies to both along Tysoe Road and also across the open countryside between Middle Tysoe and the western extent of Lower Tysoe on Lane End.

6.3.3 This policy does not seek to prevent development that may otherwise be suited to a countryside location. Nevertheless, it seeks to ensure that the scale, massing and height proposals do not result in the integrity of the separation between existing settlements and other groups of built development being damaged. Development that is consistent with this policy might include minor extensions to existing buildings, the creation of playing fields, or other open land uses. As a policy it will have effect in a complementary fashion with other development policies.

6.3.4 The settlement gap will also help to protect valuable heritage assets and listed buildings (the church and school) from encroachment by development which would compromise their settings.

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7.  Built Environment

7.1 Strategic Objective

7.1. 1 The objective is that all developments comply with the Village Design Statement as set out in Appendix 1. It is a major objective of the Plan that the existing infrastructure should be maintained and, wherever possible, improved. Development that negatively impacts on residents’ continued enjoyment of the tranquillity of village life will not be supported. Urbanisation of the village environment will not be supported. Only developments which can be accommodated by appropriate infrastructure or, ideally, which improve the current infrastructure will be supported.

Built Environment Policy 1 – Design Principles

All developments must be of high-quality design. New developments should respect and enhance the rural character and local distinctiveness of Tysoe and demonstrate regard to the Tysoe Village Design Statement (see Appendix 1)

7.2 Explanation

7.2. 1 It is important that the character and distinctiveness of the Neighbourhood Area is maintained and protected. New developments should use materials, architectural design and detailing that complements the existing housing stock and its relationship with its surroundings.

Built Environment Policy 2 – Car Parking

New development proposals should provide off-road car parking in accordance with the standards in the District Council’s adopted Development Requirements Supplementary Planning Document. In the case of new dwellings this should be one off-road parking space per bedroom up to a maximum of three spaces.

7.3 Explanation

7.3. 1 Census data emphasised the high levels of vehicle ownership in Tysoe. This is a consequence of the inadequate public transport to support travel to work outside the Neighbourhood Area. It is likely that residents of new properties will have an average of more than two cars per household. Most of the roads in the village are too narrow to allow safe on-street parking. In addition, on-street parking and tandem parking are visual blights. There are many examples where congestion occurs around the central services and the school. (see photograph)

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8.   Community Assets

8.1 Strategic objective

8.1. 1 It is a major objective of the Plan that the existing service infrastructure should be maintained and, wherever possible, improved. Development that negatively impacts on residents’ continued enjoyment of all aspects of life in the Neighbourhood Area will not be supported. Developments which can be accommodated by or improve the existing service infrastructure will be supported.

Community Asset Policy 1 – Community facilities

The Neighbourhood Plan identifies the following community facilities in the Neighbourhood Area (see Map 2, page xx):

1. St Mary’s church
2. the village shop
3. the post office
4. the health centre
5. the public house
6. the village hall, meeting rooms, kitchen and social club
7. the sports pavilion
8. the primary school
9. the pre-school
10. the Methodist church, meeting room and kitchen

The loss or partial loss of the identified community facilities will not be supported unless it can be demonstrated that any facility which is to be lost is no longer valued or of use to the village and has no prospect of being brought back into use. If such a facility is to be replaced, any new facility within the Neighbourhood Area must be at least of an equivalent standard. Proposals which enhance and improve existing community facilities will also be supported. Proposals for the development of new community facilities will be supported where they comply with other development plan policies in general and would not generate unacceptable impacts on the residential amenities of properties in their immediate locality.

2. Explanation

8.2. 1 Tysoe is well served with community assets. These are important for maintaining the vitality of the rural community and will be protected and enhanced under the Plan. In the event of the impending loss of one or more of these assets, the community may examine ways to protect the asset including the creation of a community interest company (or other mechanism) to take over their running. The Parish Council will consider the application of the local element of CIL funding to assist and support community facilities within the Plan period.

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Appendix 1 – Village Design Statement

The following are design guidelines and should be followed wherever possible unless there are site-specific reasons not to.

Materials & construction

Build height

The height of new houses or structures should be determined on their own merits, including visibility, character and appropriateness of setting.

Building materials

Wherever possible local ironstone should be used in the construction of new dwellings. All other structures, outbuildings, abutments or garages not built using natural stone should be constructed using new or reclaimed, hand-made facing bricks red/orange in colour. For outbuildings or garages large feather or waney edge timber cladding may be used in place of brick or stone facing.

Hardstanding

Hardstanding areas should be semi-permeable.

Roof construction

New houses should reflect the traditional roof construction with small eaves and verge overhangs and no or minimal fascia and barge boards.

Roof coverings

Roof coverings of any new development should, wherever possible, be of appropriate materials and character and reflect the character of the setting. Chimneys should be a feature of all houses.

Roof pitches

Roof pitches should be appropriate to other buildings in the setting.

Style

Layouts should reflect the vernacular style.

Windows

Traditional designs and materials should be used wherever possible.

Infrastructure & environment

Low energy

Innovative designs should be brought forward to provide for alternative ways to meet energy demands of the dwelling(s) and to meet the demands of a low carbon economy.

Parking 

Tandem parking at the side of the dwelling should be discouraged to ensure all vehicles are parked off-road.

Security

All new developments should make every effort to conform with Security by Design principles.

Street lighting

Warwickshire County Council (and its successors) will be prevailed upon to ensure that street lighting is kept to a minimum and be of low-level bollard design.

Traditional dry-stone walls/hedging

New developments should incorporate traditional dry-stone walling and or native hedging to individual plot boundaries, especially those with road frontage.

Water collection

All new developments should incorporate at least 1 x 150lt water butt at each downpipe for collection of surface water.