Updated plans for six new industrial units in Kenilworth have been submitted nearly a year after the scheme was first revealed.

Kenilworth Town Council had objected to the original planning application from Barwood Development Securities Ltd's for the land at Thickthorn.

Councillors said the scheme - which is on land already approved for employment use - did not follow the Land East of Kenilworth Development Brief or the Kenilworth Neighbourhood Plan, both of which were designed to control how the town is developed.

"The design of the layout has evolved to respond to comments from yourself and consultees," an update from Barwood said.

"This has resulted in a high-quality design which respects the character of Thickthorn, Kenilworth.

"In particular, the scheme has evolved to include increased green buffers and landscaping along the northern, western and southern boundaries, to screen the proposed development and to protect amenity of approved residential properties across the Spine Road to the north.

"Additionally, increased pedestrian/cycle route provision is proposed across the site, providing suitable access to each unit, as well as connections to Leamington Road and the Spine Road in response to comments raised by WCC Highways."

The industrial buidlings would be built on the land between the A46 and Leamington Road (image via planning application)

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An updated noise impact assessment has also been completed.

The application submitted to WDC would see six 'employment units' totalling an area of 22,000 square metres built on site.

Plans also include some 496 parking spaces, with traffic coming onto the site from the already busy Leamington Road.

Town councillors previously raised concerns about access to the site, cycling infrastructure and the fact that part of town is not designed to accommodate HGV movements.

"The buildings on site do not relate well to existing properties, they are not visually interesting nor do the plans show dense mature planting acting as a landscape buffer," the council's objection said.

"These are key elements of the development brief.

"The entrance to Kenilworth should be of parkland character.

"The site sits on the main entryway into the town and does not reflect this strict criteria."

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When planning permission for the neighbouring Kenilworth Gate housing estate - including 550 homes and a primary school - was approved in 2021, the scheme also included a the major piece of 'employment land'.

The area has since been marketing with the local authority working to find investors to bring the industrial site forward.

"The design blends functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic considerations," Barwood's application said. 

"By using material contrasts, careful massing, and integrating sustainable technologies, the proposals will achieve a crisp, clean, contemporary feel while providing practical solutions for industrial operations. 

"The balance between the industrial functionality and the modern office environments ensures a cohesive and visually attractive development."

See the full application here.