'Landmark' plans agreed which will see thousands of homes built across district - The Leamington Observer

'Landmark' plans agreed which will see thousands of homes built across district

Leamington Editorial 2nd Aug, 2017   0

‘LANDMARK’ plans which will shape the future of the district over the next 12 years have been agreed by government inspectors.

Warwick District Council’s Local Plan will see 13,000 new homes built, with 5,000 being affordable.

The expected growth in population will be supported by eight new primary schools and an unspecified number of new secondary schools.

There will also be land around the size of 100 football pitches available for businesses which the council say will create thousands of new jobs.




Land the size of some 60 pitches will be turned into a country park between Bishops Tachbrook and Warwick.

Improvements will also be made to public transport and roads including upgrades to the A46 and the A452 between Kenilworth and Leamington.


Council leader Andrew Mobbs said: “This is a landmark moment for our district. Once the Local Plan is adopted we will have the strong framework we need to secure our future prosperity and protect our built and rural environment.

“I’m aware the plan hasn’t been without controversy, but I genuinely believe that we can now look forward with confidence and optimism, particularly for the green belt that will cover nearly 80 per cent of our district.”

The document was previously rejected by planning inspector Kevin Ward who was concerned about the lack of homes and Warwick District Council were told changes had to be made.

The plan was then suspended by councillors before consultations began again this year.

Since 2011 some 5,000 homes have already been built across the district which brings the total over the period of the plan – which officially runs from 2011 to 2029 – to around 18,000. Much more than the 13,000 quoted in the first plan.

Some of the figure comes from Coventry, which was unable to meet the housing provision required.

District development spokesman Coun Alan Rhead said: “I’m delighted our Local Plan can now be put to council for adoption. This puts the council in a much stronger position to control and deliver housing development, offer affordable homes to local people, provide employment land for job growth and support and protect our town centres, historic environment and green spaces.

“Our hard work must now continue to make sure we deliver the high quality development the communities of our district deserve.”

Councillors are expected to formally adopt the plan at a meeting in September.

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