‘Bog standard’ homes are needed in Leamington

Leamington town council last week debated its response to consultation by Warwick District Council on housebuilding and development between now and 2026.

The district council has suggested models of 250, 500 or 800 new homes a year as well as commercial development, but

Cllr Sarah Boad (Lib Dem, Leamington Crown) called for the “right sort” of housing.

She said: “Every block of flats that goes up is a luxury block, every development is executive-style. We would like some bog-standard, plain-living affordable flats. We need reasonable housing for people to live in.”

Cllr Mota Singh (Lab, Leamington Willes) said it was vital for the public to take part. He said: “It only works if people contribute and express their feeling. If we just invite outsiders because Leamington is a royal town and very popular it may damage the community.”

The town council voted to defer its response until its planning and resources committee met on June 27.

l Planning officials will be running drop-in sessions at the Royal Priors shopping centre on June 10 and 11. The consultation runs until July 8.