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

Bank's New Life

Plans to revitalize Kenilworth's former HSBC bank have advanced, following the approval of a series of works by Warwick District Council.

The Coventry-based Edmonds Jewellers expressed delight at the council's decision, which allows the company to move forward with its project to divide the unit at The Square into two separate spaces.

Business owner Carl Edmonds first unveiled the plan earlier this year, intending to relocate the jewellers from Cheylesmore, where it has operated for 38 years.

Once the refurbishment is complete, Edmonds will lease out the second unit.

Read more here

Solar Park Slammed

Sir Jeremy Wright has criticised the decision to allow the controversial Honiley Solar Park to go ahead following a planning appeal.

Permission for the huge green belt development was granted this week.

Minister of state, Matthew Pennycook, approved the application on behalf of the secretary of state.

Kenilworth's MP had previously spoken out against the development at its planning appeal, saying it threatened the “erosion” of the green belt.

Read the full story here.

Council Houses

A number of new council houses have been handed over at the Kenilworth Gate housing estate by developer Charles Church.

A total of 20 new homes, included four shared ownership and 16 rented properties have been transferred to Warwick District Council.

The properties range from one to three-bed homes at the Leamington Road development.

Read more here.

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