Final chance to have your say on Local Plan houses

The draft housing document sets out some 17,000 homes to be built in the district by 2029 - as well as showing the council has capacity for up to 21,000 homes if they are needed.

An earlier version was rejected by the inspector last year for failing to meet housing needs.

But the latest figures include hundreds of homes at the Asps and Gallows Hill sites which were pushed through by the Secretary of State, and hundreds more houses north of Kenilworth.

But residents are warned the inspector will not accept comments on whether the homes are needed, and that all arguments made must be on how the 
extra builds are unjust or fail to address Government policy.

Cllr Andrew Mobbs, leader of Warwick District Council, said while it was important to keep objections specific to the plan’s production.

He said: “The key issue will be whether the modifications proposed under this revised plan are sound and all comments from residents should address this specifically.

“While we were bitterly disappointed by the decision to allow the appeals at the Asps and Gallows Hill, the consultation is not about where people may or may not want to see housing.

“This is to see if our plan is justified, well prepared and if it will be effective in meeting the housing numbers the Government sets out and we must meet.

“I urge people to take the time to look at our modifications and make their views known, so that the inspector can take them into account.

“It remains a top priority of this council to get the Local Plan in place as soon as possible so that we can bring forward the development this district badly needs and prevent this development from happening in the wrong places.”

Following the consultation, the inspector will review the information and hold public hearings over an eight-week period before coming to a final decision in the autumn.

Plans can be viewed at Leamington Town Hall, Kenilworth, Finham and Leamington libraries, as well as in Shire Hall, Warwick.

Make your submission before 4.45pm on April 22 using a representation form which is available on the council’s website.