Major Leamington housing development rejected

The outline application for 520 houses off Harbury Lane - including country park and a primary school - was defeated on one vote during Warwick District Council’s planning committee meeting on Tuesday evening.

But councillors were warned that a refusal largely centred on traffic fears when the application had the green light from highways officers may not stand up should the case go to appeal.

Chairman, Alan Rhead abstained from voting after the 5-4 decision despite calling for a deferral of the decision on the major development which was designed in line with the council’s Local Plan.

Members went on to approve permission for 425 houses, a medical centre and community hall on land off Gallows Hill in line with planning officers’ recommendations.

The bid - which received 46 objections, was approved despite concerns being raised over the traffic impact at Castle Bridge and Bridge End roundabout, impact on the rural landscape and the loss of open space between Leamington and Warwick.

The controversial Harbury Lane build was rejected over fears that it would have a negative impact on the countryside, cause traffic increase and after agreement that it was premature to act on the Local Plan before it was approved by the government.

The application received 62 objections and would include the widening of Europa Way to address traffic congestion.