Historic England has given its approval for revised plans for the new swimming pools in Abbey Fields.

The new designs - which will still need to be signed off by Warwick District Council (WDC) members - will raise the level of the new leisure centre so it sits over the historic remains uncovered in the park.

Over the last year the remains of five buildings associated with the abbey have been discovered under the old pools.

The discoveries have severely halted the project.

Since the remains were uncovered, WDC has been working with Historic England to redesign the leisure centre.

Now the revised plans have been approved by Historic England, a section 73 'material amendment to planning permission' will be submitted for consideration by local planners.

Councillors will also have their say on the future of the project later this year.

Should councillors sign off on the new designs, it is expected that construction work would then be able to resume.

Both of the old pools at Abbey Fields have been completely demolished (image via Warwick District Council)

"We have been working meticulously with our partners to resolve the issues that have been created by the discovery of extensive unrecorded medieval structures," said portfolio holder for safer communities, leisure and environment.

"The huge scale has involved a complete redesign of the foundations of the new building, so that we can best protect what has been found underneath.

"This will inevitably take some time and could have big implications on the cost of the project.

"We are therefore preparing a full report which will be considered by cabinet and full council later this year."

Kenilworth Town Council has repeatedly made calls for more information on the project from its district colleagues.

Meanwhile local campaigners have continued to call on WDC to rethink the project and build an energy-efficient outdoor pool.

The remains of five different buildings have been found in Abbey Fields (image by James Smith)

"We know that it is important to keep the public fully informed about progress on this redevelopment and are in discussion with Kenilworth Town Council about holding a public meeting for residents at the earliest opportunity," Cllr Sinnott added.

"The council understands the frustration of local people about the delays and current lack of swimming provision but remains committed to providing the town of Kenilworth with a new facility they can be proud of.

"At this stage we would like to thank our contractors AR Demolition for their unwavering dedication and professionalism throughout our current challenges and also the help and advice of the team at Archaeology Warwickshire."

Findings made by Archaeology Warwickshire, including ceramics, pottery, animal bones and rooftiles, suggest that the earliest of the buildings discovered in Abbey Fields may date to the late 13th century, perhaps serving as a kitchen or guesthouse.

A "significant" amount of metalworking debris has also been found, indicating that there could have been a smithy nearby.

However, the exact history of the buildings is still being investigated.