Town councillors slam plans to build 30 homes in Common Lane Industrial Estate

Kenilworth Town Council’s planning committee debated the plans in front of a sizeable audience on Thursday March 16. The chamber in Jubilee House was full with around 50 spectators attending.

Cllr Dave Shilton (Con, Park Hill) said it was the most people he had ever seen in the council chamber in 22 years.

The plans involve knocking down a bungalow in nearby Inchbrook Road to build an access road to the site, which will have 30 four-storey ‘live-work’ units and an office building. The bottom floor of the units would be used for work, while the upper three floors would be for living in.

Dozens of residents in Inchbrook and Highland Road objected to the plans. Many in the audience were from these two roads.

Cllr Shilton added: “As far as I’m concerned there’s lots and lots of reasons that this should be turned down - it will have a detrimental impact on the area.

“Knocking down a bungalow to build a road is totally and utterly uncalled for. Inchbrook and Highland Road is a cul-de-sac so it only has one road in and out. 30 properties means at least 60 more cars using the road.

“And Common Lane is an industrial estate - we need amenities there where people can be employed.

“I don’t blame developers for trying to build on a site, but please, not here.”

Other concerns raised were about the effect on nearby traffic, the ‘uneighbourly’ heights of the buildings, flood risks and the lack of affordable homes.

A round of applause was given after the meeting by the spectators.

It is unknown when the plan will be discussed by Warwick District Council’s planning committee, although there is a chance district council officers will throw the plan out under delegated powers. This allows them to make a decision without the committee debating it.