Outline planning permission granted for development including new schools and 150 homes near Leamington and Whitnash

The 30-hectare site at Oakley Grove, close to Bishop’s Tachbrook and Whitnash, will provide a new secondary school with a sixth form and primary school, as well as the extension of the planned 56-hectare Tach Brook Country Park.

The school sports facilities will be dual-use giving people living nearby full indoor and outdoor access out of school hours.

The scheme was approved unanimously by Warwick District Council’s Planning Committee in November 2019 with the Section 106 legal agreement being finalised on June 1 .

The council's Portfolio Holder for Development Councillor John Cooke said: “This scheme is the cornerstone of our ambitious plans to kick-start our local economy and offer our growing local population the facilities, infrastructure and access to open spaces needed for our district to continue to thrive and bring in new jobs, investment and opportunities, whilst encouraging active lifestyles and sustainable living.”

Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for education and learning Councillor Colin Hayfield added: "This exciting development will provide the additional school places needed as the local population grows.

"It's an excellent opportunity to integrate new education provision with the housing development in the area and the proposed country park, which will provide safe walking and cycle routes to the schools and shared sports facilities for use by the wider community.

"Once completed, the project will support the growth of the local economy, as well as give a boost to sports, leisure and sustainable living choices for the local community."