Henley’s Future Counts is an independent, non-political community group bringing local residents together to protect the character, heritage and future of Henley-in-Arden from over-development.
Henley’s Future is still ours to fight for
Who We Are
Henley’s Future Counts is an independent, non-political community group bringing local residents together to protect the character, heritage and future of Henley-in-Arden from over-development.
We strongly object to the size, location and sustainability of the current SWLP SG23/HEN.1. This development would more than double the size of Henley in Arden with adverse impact on the character and historic nature of our town.
Henley also faces the speculative development at The Blackford Mill. Existing infrastructure cannot currently support this development. There is particular concern for congestion and road safety leading us to resolutely object to the proposal.
We recognise the need for some additional homes, particularly affordable housing for young people & families and suitable accommodation for the disabled or elderly. Any future growth in Henley must be appropriate, proportionate, supported by the right infrastructure and respect the character of our town
The right homes, in the right places, at the right scale, supported by the right infrastructure.
Because Henley’s Future Counts.
Current Campaign
Blackford Mill Speculative Development
Have your say on Henley’s future
The developer Mac Mic has applied for outline planning permission to build 265 houses on greenbelt land at Blackford Mill Farm. The land is predominantly agricultural and has a wildlife rich part of the river Alne flowing through the site. The proposed development surrounds Blackford Mill, a historically significant heritage asset dating back to medieval times.
The Outline Planning Permission Application (OPPA) can be found on Stratford District Councils e-Planning portal. This is where objections or comments can be submitted. Despite this being an OPPA focussing on traffic and congestion issues, we have been advised by SDC that all matters will be considered. We therefore recommend completing objections with any of the arguments you wish to put forward, not only traffic concerns.
Whilst the original deadline was 2nd October, SDC have relaxed this for several reasons. The deadline is now 28th October. The detailed objection from Henley’s Future Counts can be viewed below and used to help you construct your own response. The Wootton Wawen Action Group have an AI objection tool you can also use to help as below.
Ongoing SWLP HEN.1 Campaign
We continue our work against the SG23/HEN.1 proposals which raise significant concerns. The town’s infrastructure, environment and historic character can not accommodate a development of this size.
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Impact On Henley
A minimum of 2,084 new homes would be a major expansion of Henley-in-Arden and negatively impact the character and historic setting of the town.
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Local Infrastructure
Development of this scale would place huge pressure on local roads, healthcare, schools, utilities and other public services. The plans have not demonstrated that infrastructure expansion costs are viable.
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Our Environment
The proposals involve substantial areas of Green Belt land and raise concerns about loss of surrounding countryside, landscape, wildlife and biodiversity.
SWLP public consultation
The consultation closed on Tuesday 8 September 2026.
We thank Henley residents for a superb response to the SWLP public consultation. We are confident hundreds of objections to the HEN.1 plans were submitted to Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon Councils. These will now be analysed and collated ahead of independent examination and will be published on the SWLP website in due course.
The deadline for the councils to decide on and submit the SWLP for scrutiny by the Planning inspectorate is 31st December 2026. As time is short, opportunities to alter the plan (if it is to be submitted) are very limited.
If, as expected, SWLP is submitted on 31st December it will be up to the planning inspectorate to recommend uptake, alterations or rejection of the SWLP plan with potential final adoption planned for March 2028.
We met our legal counsel, Douglas Edwards KC, on 2nd October ’26. He is acknowledged as one of the leading silks at the planning bar. We are delighted to say the meeting was very positive and gave us a clear plan of action. The SWLP plans for Henley are NOT A DONE DEAL! The recommendation is to appoint an experienced Town Planning Consultant to support us through the next steps. Fundraising is crucial in order to facilitate this so any and all donations are very gratefully received.
We’ve prepared two guides to help you respond to the SWLP consultation. Choose the version that suits you best, and remember to put your response into your own words.
Quick Objection Guide
Short, straightforward guidance with suggested representations of fewer than 100 words.
Detailed Objection Guide
More comprehensive guidance explaining the Regulation 19 process, the evidence and detailed suggested objection points.
How Can You Help
Henley’s Future Counts is powered by local residents. You can help by taking part in consultations, sharing information with friends and neighbours, attending local meetings or supporting our future campaigns.
We need a legal and specialist fund so our community can effectively challenge developments that lack appropriate infrastructure and do not meet our needs. Your support is therefore vital to allow us to continue. Any and every donation is very gratefully received. Donations paid directly into our bank account is preferred as this route avoids the Go Fund Me platform fees. Our bank details and Go Fund Me donation page are as follows:
Henley’s Future Counts. Sort Code: 30-54-66 Account Number: 27495162
Please show your support and get updates by joining our mailing list (contact us below to do so) and by signing up to our Facebook group.
If you wish to volunteer with us please contact us below.
However you choose to get involved, every voice helps ensure Henley’s future is shaped by the people who live here.
Contact Us
Questions, ideas or concerns? We’d love to hear from you.
info@henleysfuturecounts.co.uk
Henley-in-Arden
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