Leamington bus depot could make way for new affordable homes - The Leamington Observer

Leamington bus depot could make way for new affordable homes

Leamington Editorial 23rd Jul, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

LEAMINGTON’S bus depot could be on the move by this time next year.

Waterloo Housing Group is looking to build more than 200 homes on land behind the town’s train station.

The social housing group already has an existing scheme with Warwick District Council called W2 that provides affordable homes throughout the district.

And the new plans to build 118 flats and 94 houses on the Station Approach site, which is currently used as a car park, as well as adjacent land occupied by Stagecoach bus depot, would form part of the same scheme.




The homes – with off-street parking for residents – would be let through the council’s choice-based lettings scheme and could see some 150 homes made available to rent, part-buy or part-rent through shared ownership with the remainder for outright sale.

The proposals also include a separate council-run car park with 100 spaces.


The group submitted a formal planning application to Warwick District Council and the plans are currently undergoing a period of public consultation.

If given the green light, the work – which would be carried out in phases for up to three years – could begin before the end of the year.

But as it stands, the proposals are dependent on two other planning applications – one enabling Chiltern Railways to extend its existing car park and the other allowing for nearby Stagecoach to relocate to purpose-built premises near Whitnash.

Managing director of Stagecoach Midlands, Steve Burd, told The Observer: “Stagecoach is still in discussions about the possible sale of its existing Station Approach site and the possible purchase of a new site in Poseidon Way in Trident Park.

“Assuming these negotiations are successfully concluded and there are no issues with either Waterloo Housing’s planning application or our own purchase and depot build, we are hopeful our Leamington depot will relocate to this new facility in July 2016.”

The former Quicks site has been subjected to a number of planning application in the past – the most recent of which was by Miller Homes Ltd back in 2007.

But the plans – for 115 flats and seven houses – were turned down by Warwick District Council, who feared the close proximity to the Stagecoach bus depot would make life a misery for residents due to round the clock noise.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Leamington Observer newspaper.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.