Over 50 local residents have already objected to a planning application which could see another 180 homes built on the edge of Kenilworth.

Issues around traffic, local services and the sewers have been raised about Richborough Estate's plans for Rouncil Lane.

If approved, the development would see a new junction created off the busy road and the estate built next to the former sixth form site.

However, local resident Richard Price said: "The submitted plans clearly demonstrate a substantial urban extension into open countryside.

"The development would significantly reduce and even close the gap between Kenilworth and the approach towards Leek Wootton, contributing to settlement coalescence and eroding the village's distinct rural identity."

Fellow objector Lesley O'Connor added: "This development would add to the traffic around Rouncil Lane.

"It is already dangerous turning right or left out of Rouncil Lane.

"County highways should object to this development if accidents are to be prevented.

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"The main sewer has problems and these proposed houses will make these problems worse.

"There are already plans for the development of the former sixth form site, the pavilions has been built recently, there are new housing estates near Kenilworth school and more houses proposed in Kenilworth.

"How many more houses do we need?"

Meanwhile, Jason Caddy wrote: "Rouncil Lane has issues with traffic already and this application will make this problem far worse and dangerous!

"Rounds Hill is used as a 'rat-run' during peak times due to the traffic issues at the junction with Warwick Road.

"Rouncil Lane is not suitable to take more traffic."

Pans state half the homes would be designated 'affordable housing'.

Meanwhile two play areas and an extension to the neighbouring St Johns allotments would be created on the estate.

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Kenilworth Town Council has already objected to the application, stating it is inappropriate development in the green belt, that local infrastructure cannot cope and again raising concerns about the safety of the proposed junction.

The land promoter did host a public consultation before the application was submitted.

Richborough said just 278 people visited the website for the development and only 44 left a response.

In its application, the company said: "There is a pressing need for new housing in Warwick district, which is likely to increase over the short to medium term, and the site represents an opportunity to deliver new homes on a well-connected site, outside of significantly more constrained parts of the district, this will bring significant benefits to the existing and future community of Kenilworth.

"Richborough are committed to the creation of a high quality and distinctive place for people and nature.

"This will include a range of open spaces, allotments, amenity space, naturalistic play space and walking trails.

"This approach will ensure that the development provides existing and new residents with suitable areas for leisure and recreation."

Click here to see the plans in full.

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