Here are the biggest local planning stories from the past week.

Cocktail Bar's Future

Councillors have unanimously backed plans to give a closed Kenilworth cocktail bar a new lease of life.

Warwick District Council's (WDC) planning committee last night (November 5) approved new plans for 'The Kenilworth' which will see the Warwick Road venue turned into an Aparthotel and a house.

Plans show number 61 Warwick Road will be turned back into a house, while 59 and 63 would serve as accommodation.

Read more here

Major New Housing Plan Blocked

Councillors have blocked plans for 140 homes off Westwood Heath Road, but were split over the decision.

Warwick District Council's planning committee narrowly voted against the application from IM Land 1 Limited, despite council officers saying the scheme should be approved.

Speaking at Wednesday's meeting (November 5), James Bonner for Turley planning agents said: "We fully support your officer's recommendation to approve this application for 140 much-needed homes - 40 per cent of which will be affordable."

Read the full story here.

Abbey Fields Progress

Kenilworth’s new swimming pools could open as early as May or June next year, town councillors have hinted.

Work on site in Abbey Fields is currently running three months ahead of schedule, with contractors due to complete the building in April 2026.

While councillors had warned there “could be quite some gap” from when the work is finished to when the facility actually opens, a recent update at Kenilworth Town Council hinted at opening in time for the school summer holidays.

Read more here.

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