Harbury Gardens housing scheme near Leamington is refused permission

Members of the council’s planning committee voted against granting permission to the ‘Harbury Gardens’ scheme off Harbury Lane in Bishops Tachbrook, which was put forward by AC Lloyd - despite being encouraged to grant permission by the council’s planning experts.

As well as 200 new houses, the scheme was to include a school, allotments and a shop, as well as what AC Lloyd described as “green buffers”, green space and public open space.

In a statement, the firm said: “The design philosophy for this site was to adapt and embrace the local authority’s strategy for future development.

“Perimeter development blocks and the spaces are clearly defined, promoting efficient movement within the scheme that will help reduce the dependence on the car.”

Bishops Tachbrook parish council had objected to the plan on a number of issues, including fears that the boundary between Bishops Tachbrook, Whitnash and Warwick Gates - which at the moment is Harbury Lane - would be taken away, meaning that the space would be “threatened by future development”.

Whitnash Town Council also objected, saying: “Approval would prejudice consultation on the new Local Plan and the proposed housing provision is greatly in excess of what is needed”.

And Warwickshire County Council’s ecology department objected due to the potential biodiversity loss is says the scheme may cause.

The district council also received 21 objections from residents who near to the proposed site.