A vote at Warwickshire County Council's Cabinet Meeting today (January 28) gave unanimous approval for the Kenilworth to Leamington Cycleway.

The proposal was for "the development of the Kenilworth to Leamington Cycle Project and to authorise the Strategic Directors for Communities and Resources to take all steps required for the implementation of the scheme."

Following the unanimous decision, the county council will now begin the next stages in developing "a new 5km dedicated off-carriageway cycle route connecting Kenilworth and Leamington Spa along the A452 and B4115, including a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Avon at Chesford."

£4.749 million from the council's Capital Investment Fund was allocated to this scheme in November 2019.

The 5km cycleway will now see development in three stages:

- Firstly an off-carriageway shared pedestrian/cycle route from Leamington Spa to Bericote roundabout located on the eastern side of the A452

- A new permanent pedestrian/cycle bridge crossing the River Avon and associated flood plain between Bericote roundabout and the B4115.

- An off-carriageway pedestrian/cycle route running to the north of the B4115 and connecting to Glasshouse Lane Kenilworth via the bridleway on Rocky Lane which will be improved.

The scheme was proposed by Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning Cllr Jeff Clarke (Con, Nuneaton East) who said: "It is disappointing and frustrating that it take so long to deliver these schemes."

County council leader Cllr Izzi Seccombe agreed but added "I think this is fantastic, I am very excited. The fact that it is off road is great, great news."

Speaking during the public session, Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Richard Dickson urged county councillors to approve the proposal, stating the importance of the scheme to both Kenilworth and Leamington Spa, as well as the surrounding towns, villages and for students.

"I speak as a local resident and occasional cyclist, I am not a lycra man, I am lazy and usually choose the car, so I am the prime target audience for K2L - an audience who's behaviour needs to be nudged into a more active and healthy form of travel."

Cllr Peter Butlin (Con, Admirals + Cawston) also added his sentiments: "This is a flagship cycling route in Warwickshire."

He did, however, add: "There are risks involved due to the technical difficulties involved in getting this sort of cycle route built, but it is a good day for us in getting this delivered."

Following today's vote the council must now proceed to secure planning application, hold a public consultation, as well as negotiate with any private property owners who are to be affected by the developments.

Current plans hope to see the construction completed between 2022 and 2023.