The developer behind unpopular plans to demolish the Woodside Hotel has said there are no updates on the project, amidst rumours it is planning to sell the land.

Having previously been refused permission to replace the former manor house with more homes, Vistry was given the green light for a fresh application to flatten and build on the site earlier this year.

Councillors gave the go-ahead for a block of flats and 43 houses "through gritted teeth" in April, following multiple objections from locals and Kenilworth Town Council.

Since then there has been little sign of work on site, and Kenilworth Nub News has been contacted by neighbours claiming the land is being sold to another developer.

We put this to Vistry who said: “There is no current update at this time regarding the land at the Woodside Hotel, Glasshouse Lane, Kenilworth.”

The proposed layout for the new development (image via planning application)

Unpopular Plans

Speaking at the meeting where the application was approved, Cllr Neal Eaton presented an objection from Kenilworth Town Council.

He said the application was "not considered compliant with the local plan or the Land East of Kenilworth Development Brief".

He also said there was "no proven housing need for this additional development" and raised concerns at the lack of affordable homes.

While councillors said they sympathised with Kenilworth Town Council and other residents who had objected, they were resigned to grant permission.

"The reality is, this is an unwelcome demolition of a building which would be better repurposed," Cllr Lowell Williams said. 

"It is part of a scheme which is excess development in Kenilworth which isn't required. 

The Woodside Hotel is set to be demolished (image via planning application)

"It is part of a number of actions that are ruining the local town and is not actually providing us with affordable housing. 

"It is something which we shouldn't support, however we are where we are. 

"And the best I can take from this, is that the committee has at least improved an unwelcome scheme."

He added: "If we can at least make this unwelcome development greener than it would have been before, then it is a very small notion of progress."

Cllr Richard Dickson seconded the proposal to approve the application but only "through gritted teeth".

Vistry had already been given prior approval to flatten the site.