Homes plan shelved as locals voice opposition

The news comes as huge opposition to the building of thousands of homes grows stronger.

But developers Gallagher Estates has not given a reason why the two planning applications have been pulled.

One proposed building plot, south of Harbury Lane, was for 720 houses and another, west of Europa Way, was for a further 370.

These applications were set to form a major part of Warwick District Council’s Revised Local Plan, which has set a target of 12,300 new homes in the district by 2029. Land for about half of these homes has already been earmarked south of Warwick and Leamington (if the Local Plan is approved), and the two applications which have been withdrawn were in that area.

However, residents in Warwick, Leamington and Whitnash have been very vocal in their opposition - and have the backing of Leamington and Warwick MP Chris White. Another public meeting was held this week for residents to have their say.

Gallagher Estates has refused to comment on the reasons for their withdrawal, which appears to be so that archaeological and further environmental studies can be carried out.

But with so much speculation and discontent in the town about the Revised Local Plan, many believe the company have made a strategic temporary withdrawal because district councillors are likely to reject their applications in the present climate.

The company still has an application for 320 homes on land north of Harbury Lane which is due to be considered in the next few days.

Despite the withdrawal, officials believe Gallagher’s housing plans may well resurface again in the future.

The plans included hundreds of new homes, primary schools, retail land and a large green for sports use.