THERE will be ‘serious consequences’ for Warwick after the go-ahead was given to build over 1,300 homes.
That is the verdict of Warwick District Council leader Andrew Mobbs after the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Greg Clark overturned the council’s decision in 2014 to refuse planning permission for 900 homes at the Asps sites just outside the town.
The Secretary of State also agreed with the a planning inspector’s decision that 450 homes should also be built at neighbouring Gallows Hill – which the council had also previously refused. The same planning inspector had advised the Asps development should be rejected, but the Secretary of State disagreed.
The district council argue the two developments will be an eyesore next to the grade I listed Castle Park.
And council chiefs now plan to seek legal advice on a High Court challenge against the Asps site, which is situated between Europa Way and Banbury Road. The development would consist of 900 homes, 500 parking spaces, a primary school and a park and ride.
Coun Mobbs said “I am deeply disappointed that the Secretary of State has gone against the council on these sites.
“His decisions have serious consequences for Warwick and its surroundings including impacting on Castle Park which as we all know, is not just valued locally, but is of national significance.
“We are considering whether there are grounds to challenge the Asps decision and if possible, will do all we can to have this decision revisited.”
Council chiefs also fear the decision will have ‘significant implications’ for the local plan, and have pushed back the date of a report which laid out changes to the document, which will outline development in the district over the next 15 years.
A government report outlining the decision to allow the appeal to be upheld, said the Secretary of State considered there was a lack of an adequate housing land supply in the district.
He argued the Asps development would go a long way to providing much-needed homes – two thirds of which would be affordable.
