PLANS for a long-awaited country park in Warwick district have been given the green light by planning chiefs.
Tachbrook Country Park is set to be the district’s largest public space and was given the seal of approval by Warwick District Council’s (WDC) planning committee when it met on Tuesday (November 8).
The project was hit by repeated delays getting to committee stage due to its “complicated nature” but the decision to grant the application means the project team can now get to work completing land transfers and procuring contractors to create the 49-hectare landmark.
The country park, stretching between Leamington, Whitnash, Warwick and Bishop’s Tachbrook, will include a refreshment centre, allotments, community growing area and community orchards, children’s play areas, car parking, foot and cycle paths and a timber pedestrian bridge crossings over the Tach Brook.
According to a statement released by WDC back in September, the plans to create the country park have been subject to a number of complex legal agreements and required co-ordination with adjacent developers, landowners and utility providers, as well as needing to tie in with the separate applications for the new schools and homes at Oakley Grove in Bishop’s Tachbrook.
The country park received key support from Bishop’s Tachbrook Parish Council who referred to it as a “long awaited amenity for residents”.
There were, however, a number of concerns raised by residents including the safety of the country park – notably the southern most corner – the proximity of footpaths to the new housing, a loss of country park land as the school is developed, the impact on wildlife during construction, and whether the allotments are necessary.
Coun Andrew Day, WDC leader, said: “This welcome decision brings overdue good news to the thousands of residents who have made their homes in the new communities that are forming in Bishop’s Tachbrook and Heathcote.
“At last, we can get on with the job of establishing this much anticipated Country Park that will provide accessible, sustainable green space and an array of public benefits for all ages. Thank you to all our partners who have worked so hard to overcome significant obstacles to get this vital project moving.”
While Sean Deely, Chair of the Tachbrook Country Park Steering Board and parish councillor, added: “This is a significant step forward in delivering a fantastic new amenity which will vitally connect local communities and serve many more. This unlocks the next stages in delivering the Tachbrook Country Park, which we are aiming to complete as soon as is feasibly possible.”
Further information about Tachbrook Country Park can be found at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/Tachbrook
