A housing developer has launched a legal battle to try and force through plans to build 83 homes on the land around Warwickshire Police's Leek Wootton Headquarters.

CALA Homes first revealed plans to redevelop the land in March 2022, having purchased it from the force the previous December.

With the first planning application still yet to be determined, the developer then submitted a second scheme to Warwick District Council in November 2022.

But with a decision still pending on both applications, CALA has now submitted an appeal to the planning inspectorate to move the process along.

"This appeal follows the failure of Warwick District Council to determine an application for outline planning permission within the statutory 13-week period," the appeal form said.

The planning inspectorate has said the appeal is valid, so both CALA and the council must now present their own case.

A six-day enquiry will then begin on Tuesday, 25 July with a final decision expected on or before 18 September.

CALA claimed its second application had only come as a result of district officers failing to respond to negotiations.

"The applicant sought to open negotiations with officers at the council but despite repeated attempts, there has been no response," the application states. 

"By submitting an outline application, it is hoped that the issues can be narrowed down and progress can be made on delivering the allocated housing site."

It also states that the 3.8 hectare site would be developed to match the rest of the village.

"The applicant is keen to ensure that the proposals assimilate with the built fabric and community of Leek Wootton," the planning statement said. 

"This will be done by ensuring that opportunities are taken up to link the development both physically and visually. 

"This will include pedestrian links with the village."

Of the 83 homes, 40 per cent would be for affordable housing, with the majority being built for social rent.

See the application and appeal here.