Local Government Reorganisation in Warwickshire and SWLP
On Thursday 16th July, the Government announced that Warwickshire will be divided into two Unitary authorities.
Published: 24 July 2026
The two new Unitary authorities are South Warwickshire consisting of Warwick and Stratford On Avon Districts; and North Warwickshire consisting of Rugby Borough, Bedworth & Nuneaton plus the old North Warwickshire District.
Warwick and Stratford On Avon Districts have been working on a joint Local Plan – the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) for some years now, and the final (Reg 19) Consultation started on 21st July, and will run for 7 weeks after which the plan should go to the Planning Inspectorate for Examination. The new Unitary authority will commence in May 2028, which should coincide with the adoption of the South Warwickshire Local Plan.
The consultation document and supporting information is available to view on the SWLP Regulation 19 webpage.
How to comment
Responses to this consultation must be received by 23:59pm on Tuesday 8 September 2026, and may be submitted in the following ways:
Their preferred method is through the SWLP online consultation portal although you can email via swlp@warwickdc.gov.uk or by post to Planning Policy Team, Stratford on Avon District Council, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HX.
Those making a representation should also state whether they would like to speak at the independent examination.