Local Green party members have welcomed the possibility that the district council might reconsider the controversial A46 Strategic Link Road.

The road, which is planned to join the A46 Stoneleigh Junction to Westwood Heath, will cut through the remaining acres of Green Belt north of Kenilworth.

But with Warwick District Council looking set to commission a new study into what development is actually needed in the area, plans for the road could fall by the wayside.

"Local Conservative-led councils have seemed intent on supporting this major new road in Green Belt," said Cllr James Kennedy (Green, Kenilworth Park Hill). 

"So I am delighted that Warwick District Council has now seen sense and is pushing other organisations to reconsider travel and transport improvements in the area, which should prioritise active and sustainable travel in line with government policy."

The report, which could cost up to £200,000 to complete, will be led by WDC but supported by Coventry City Council, the University of Warwick and Warwickshire County Council.

It will consider all the development proposed for the area including housing, industrial sites, university facilities and transport infrastructure. 

One of the possible designs for the new link road (Image via WCC)

"The climate emergency has changed everything," added Cllr Kennedy. 

"We should be looking for a future for our district which prioritises walking and cycling and the development of public transport, including the Coventry Very Light Rail system and the new railway station for Warwick University. 

"Cleaner air, healthier life-styles, less stress and reduced carbon emissions are just some of the benefits of active and sustainable travel and we don't need the new road."

Last year Cllr Kennedy proposed a motion to WDC calling for the need for the road to be reassessed. 

The motion was passed unanimously by councillors but cabinet members still agreed to WDC's continued involvement in the road scheme. 

Warwickshire County Councillor Cllr Tracey Drew (Green, Kenilworth Park Hill) added: "This is a great opportunity for Warwickshire County Council and the university to start planning transport infrastructure that puts people's wellbeing first, instead of prioritising motor-vehicles. 

"New roads never solve travel problems. We need to plan for our own future and the future of the planet by investing in safe, active and sustainable transport." 

The 'Master Plan' will be considered at the public meeting of the WDC Cabinet on Wednesday 20 April.