PROGRESS is being made on plans for new homes on two former school sites in Kenilworth.
Warwick District Council is working towards building houses at Leyes Lane and Rouncil Lane.
At a recent Cabinet meeting, councillors agreed to sell the former school sites with a development agreement attached. This allows WDC to control the type and quality of homes being built, ensuring they meet the council’s ambitions for enhanced environmental performance and affordability.
WDC is now modelling two options – the first has 40 per cent affordable housing and meets the council’s Net Zero Carbon Development Plan Document requirements, and the second is an enhanced option that increases both the affordable housing and environmental standards.
These options are due to be presented to Cabinet in February 2026.
WDC’s housing spokesperson Coun Jessica Melrose emphasised the importance of delivering homes that meet the needs of future communities.
She continued: “These sites are hugely important to local residents, and we know how deeply people care about what happens next. Our focus is on delivery, turning plans into real results that provide the homes our communities genuinely need, now and in the future.
“By exploring both baseline and enhanced options, we can ensure development delivers genuine social value – good quality, affordable homes and lower energy bills.
“We are committed to engaging with residents in a careful and meaningful way, ensuring that local voices help shape the development and that the outcomes work for the whole community.”
WDC’s decarbonisation spokesperson Coun Lowell Williams added: “These sites have been dormant for too long, and I’m pleased to see us taking positive steps to bring them forward. This is a chance to go even further than our ‘net zero’ requirements and set a higher standard for sustainable development in our district.
“By including options like Passivhaus and Zero Bills homes, we’re showing that environmental responsibility and innovation can go hand-in-hand with delivering high quality homes, with long term lower costs for residents living in them.”
