Plans to build three homes on potentially contaminated land in Kenilworth have been objected to by the town council.

The scheme, submitted by S&S Developments, would see two four-bed houses and a bungalow built on Farmer Ward Road.

But members at last night's Kenilworth Town Council planning committee meeting said the application was trying to fit too much into a potentially unsafe space.

A site inspection report, which said there was "a risk of cyanide contamination across the site", recommended that the topsoil be removed and replaced with 60cm of fresh earth.

It also recommended: "If any zones of odorous, brightly coloured or suspected contaminated ground or groundwater are encountered then work should cease in that area until the material has been investigated."

Workers were also advised to wear PPE on site.

And with four objections from residents all complaining about privacy, councillors said there were a number of grounds on which to go against the scheme.

"I support the need to object here," said Cllr Andrew Milton.

"For me it is the impact on the residents' amenity. They are also at risk of overdeveloping the site given the amount of property they are trying to put on a relatively small plot of land which I don't think comes across in the block plan.

"I'd be surprised if four-bedroom houses could be built as small as they say in the plan."

Cllr Graham Hyde added: "It is very clear that the proposal would demonstrably harm the amenity for local residents, a valuable green space, privacy and a right to a quiet and safe space. That is fairly clear."

And as well as pointing out that the application refers to a street - Lilac Grove - which does not actually exist, councillors also said a lot of information was missing from the plans.

In particular reference was made to a missing tree survey.

"From my point of view, for an application for three houses, there is very little information," said Cllr Rob Barry.

"There is no design and access statement, there are just some very simple elevation drawings.

"I think it is very scant information for three new builds."

Cllr Alix Dearing added: "I can't believe it has actually come to this committee, there are so many errors."