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

More Housing Sites

More housing sites around Kenilworth and South Warwickshire have been put forward for consideration for the new local plan.

The major planning document will determine where around 35,000 new houses are built in the area over the next quarter century.

The latest submissions - published in June - came during a public consultation earlier this year during which locals were asked to feedback on a series of options for the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP).

This third 'call for sites' only allowed locals to suggest development sites near the 12 potential 'new settlements'Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon District Councils have identified.

Read more here

'New Town'

They are among the Midlands' most scenic places to live – but three leafy villages are officially set to become a town.

Concerned residents have been reassured the move will benefit them in the long-term by making it more difficult for developers to build on green belt land.

Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath are set to become a single settlement defined as a town, while Balsall Common would also become a town if the changes are finalised.

A senior councillor stressed the move was for "planning purposes" and residents could continue to call the areas they live in villages.

Read the full story here.

Footpaths Moved - Again

Public footpaths around Kenilworth are set to be closed or disrupted for over a year for HS2 works.

The high speed rail developer said public rights of way (PRoW) W164 and W165x in Crackley will be disrupted until summer 2026.

Both footpaths connect to the Kenilworth Greenway and head north towards Coventry.

Read more here.

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