Thousands of new Kenilworth homes a step closer

The Government has this week said that the latest draft of Warwick district’s Local Plan can now proceed after the council agreed to around 4,000 extra homes to help meet Coventry’s housing shortfall.

Much of the new houses will be built in and near Kenilworth.

1,780 homes will be built within the town’s boundaries, mainly on greenfield sites in Southcrest Farm, Thickthorn and Warwick Road by Kenilworth Cricket Club, and on brownfield sites created when Kenilworth School and Sixth Form move.

The largest external site near Kenilworth will be in Kings Hill with 1,800 homes planned, although this could rise to 4,000 beyond 2029.

425 homes will be built in Westwood Heath and 90 are set for Burton Green.

The major development plan, which now sets out 17,000 new builds in the district by 2029, was suspended last summer for failing to take on enough houses.

Original plans set out 12,900 new homes - mainly in Leamington and Warwick - but they were thrown out for not taking on enough new homes, which set the process back by 12 months.

The plan also shows capacity for an extra 4,000 homes in the district if needed - taking it potentially up to 21,000 houses.

Cllr Andrew Mobbs, Warwick District Council leader, said he was delighted with the progress.

He added: “After modifying our numbers, the inspector has decided the inspection can start in September.

“This is the first time we have got to this stage and this is very good news.

“We are back on track and we need to get this plan in place as quickly as possible to protect ourselves from unwanted development.

“Some sites have been a worry but we are there now. While the examination will take a long time, we are optimistic it will be accepted.”

The Local Plan sets out accepted areas for new housing. Until it is agreed, there is no protection against development in unsuitable areas.

The inspection starts in September and will assess everything from consultation responses, sites and housing numbers over the next three months. If accepted, the plan could be passed next spring.

Public hearings start on September 27. The Government inspector will also hold a site-by-site discussion on the proposed housing.

Visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk for public hearing dates.