Kenilworth planning roundup: Bank's future, nightclub and solar farm sagas
Here are the biggest local planning stories from the past week.
Bank's New Life
Kenilworth's former HSBC is set to be brought back to life, as plans to turn it into two new businesses have been revealed.
Coventry-based Edmonds Jewellers has taken over the unit at The Square which has lay empty since August 2023 when the high street bank pulled out the town.
A major renovation project is already underway on site, with the building set to be divided into two.
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Nightclub to be Bulldozed?
Plans to demolish a popular Leamington nightclub to make way for a block of student accommodation have been put forward to Warwick District Council.
Ni Ann Ltd has applied for permission to knock down Smack nightclub - which remains open for business - and replace it with a five-storey building with "purpose-built" apartments.
Plans claim the removal of the 600-capacity club would remove a "bad neighbour" from Tavistock Street, replacing it with ten apartments which will range in size from three bedrooms to six.
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Solar Farm Wait
Residents may have to wait until the end of July to find out whether a huge solar farm in Honiley will be allowed planning permission.
A planning enquiry into the controversial Honiley Solar Park was held in February after the decision to grant planning permission was 'called in' by the secretary of state.
Approximately 85 full-size football pitches, Enso's development would be allowed to stay in place for 40 years if it is given the full green light.
But an update to Warwick District Council (WDC) this week said a decision will not be made until 24 July at the latest.
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Campaigners Double Down
The applicant behind a large solar farm turned down by locals planners has not ruled out trying again.
But campaigners have also said they are ready to resume the fight if Exagen Group appeals the decision or returned with another application.
Plans for Holly Lane Energy Park included a large solar farm and battery storage units on greenbelt land at Meer End, an area between Balsall Common and Kenilworth.
Exagen wanted to erect the solar farm on fields just off Meer End Road, which is also the site of a number of homes.
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