Delays continue to hit an already behind schedule project to expand a Kenilworth primary school.

Works on the £6 million redevelopment at St John's Primary School and Nursery are yet to begin with Warwickshire County Council (WCC) still waiting to submit a new planning application for the works.

Due to be finished last year, the project will eventually allow 200 extra spaces at St John's which would become two-form entry. 

It would also include space for up to 14 places for children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) who can be catered for at a mainstream school.

The completion date was changed to September 2026 and has now been pushed back to September 2027.

The local authority said last year a new planning application is needed but it is still yet to be submitted.

Nub News understands discussions continue between the planning and project teams to discuss what works can be allowed under permitted development and what needs full planning permission.

An update is hoped for a few weeks' time.

advertisement

At the end of 2025, Cllr Richard Dickson said families were being "let down" by the continued delays.

"At £6 million and already overdue by eight months in May of this year, it seems reasonable for parents with children with SEMH needs to have expected this project to be at the top of the new administration's in-tray," he said at the council's children & young people overview and scrutiny committee meeting. 

"Especially when the council's leadership talks so much about their commitment to supporting families living with SEND and to reducing the cost of home to school transport.

"But, nearly seven months into this new administration, still no spades have gone in the ground. 

"The likelihood of these facilities being ready by September 2026 is increasingly remote. 

"Planning permission has not yet even been granted. And with building costs going only one way, how much more money will need to be approved and when? 

"An extra £250,000, an extra £500,000? Heaven forbid that, because of the council's delays, it should be much more."

Previous plans showed three major extensions are planned to allow for the expansion.

advertisement

Cllr Dickson said staff and governors are "frustrated" and the public deserve an explanation and "action".

Councillors have previously been told there is no guarantee costs will not rise.