More roadworks look set to hit the Stoneleigh Road after HS2 was given the green light to build a new four-arm roundabout. 

Warwickshire County Council is already part way through a £38 million project to install a new bridge and major roundabout at the A46 Stoneleigh, which has seen months of speed restrictions and road closures hit the area.

And that looks set to continue just a few hundred metres down the road after Warwick District Council gave planning permission for HS2 to build a smaller roundabout to the east of the dual carriageway.

The new road layout will provide access to the high speed rail developer's compound, as well as the relocated Rugby Farmer's Market.

With the land in the green belt, district planners have only signed off on the project as a temporary measure, lasting just five years.

This will mean the roundabout will have to be taken out again in the future.

The roundabout will be to the east of the Stoneleigh A46 junction (image via planning application)

Approving the application, a council report said: "When considering the scale of the development I consider that the proposal will result in some harm to the openness of the green belt.

"The development is therefore considered to represent 'inappropriate development' in the green belt and will only be supported where there are 'very special circumstances' which clearly outweigh the harm identified."

However, it added: "The proposal will be temporary in nature and the removal of the works and restoration of the land can be secured via planning condition. 

"The development will provide an alternative access to the HS2 compound to the south which will provide a benefit by reducing traffic travelling further from the A46 junction. 

"The development will also provide an improved access to the Farmers Market during this period."

The design for the roundabout (image via planning application)

Planners said there were clearly "very special circumstances" which outweigh the harm of the development to the green belt.

Plans, which were first submitted in December 2020, said the scheme will benefit the local community.

"It will provide a safe junction on Stoneleigh Road, in the form of a roundabout, which will reduce possible risk to road users in comparison to other junction options," the application said. 

"The proposed roundabout will allow road traffic to flow freely with the addition of two access roads, reducing the impact to congestion, and therefore reducing the impact on the environment. 

"Additionally, the proposed development will provide a safe access to the relocated Rugby Farmers Market, supporting the local economy."

HS2 is also planning to expand its Stoneleigh compound, with district planners having already said an Environmental Impact Assessment is needed before the scheme can progress.

See the full roundabout plans here.