Divisive plans to build Kenilworth houses near flood zone on hold

Although the plans were granted by Warwick District Council’s planning committee in July, a factual error in that meeting has meant the plans will have to be debated again.

Before the vote, it was claimed a previous plan at the site was granted on appeal, when in reality it was dismissed. This was enough for the decision to be void.

Cllr George Illingworth, who spoke against the plans on behalf of Kenilworth Town Council at the original meeting, warned the outcome might still be the same anyway.

He added: “At least this will give us a chance to refine what we said at the first meeting.”

The plans generated over 40 objections from Inchbrook and Highland Road residents mainly because of the increased flood risks and the perceived harm the houses would have on the look of the street.

The houses would be very close to the Environment Agency’s flood risk line near Canley Brook, and parts of the site when the houses are being built would go over that line.

Many objectors also said the houses would look out of place compared to nearby houses on the two roads once built.

Planning agent Dominic Cooney rejected this assertion, insisting the planned houses do not look out of character.

At the meeting, he said: “Someone’s done a good job of drumming up lots of objections.”

Councillors will discuss the plans again on Tuesday August 16.