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

Student Accomodation Decision

Coventry City Council is set to make a decision next week on the final step which could allow a controversial student accommodation block to be built.

The move would boost the council's rental income from the site but the exact amount has been kept under wraps.

It would allow office block Progress House in Westwood to be knocked down and replaced by a 544-bed block and small retail space. Last year plans for the scheme were met with an outcry and residents lodged more than 80 objections.

Read more here

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Green Belt's Future

A consultant has been appointed by the district councils to complete a "vital" review into the region's green belt.

The study comes as part of the new South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) which will determine where up to 30,000 new homes will be built locally by 2050.

The plan is being drawn up by Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils but has been severely hit by delays.

Originally supposed to be adopted in 2025, it is now not expected until at least 2027.

Read the full story here.

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Lidl Search Continues

Supermarket giant Lidl has once again included Kenilworth in a list of possible new shop locations.

The retailer has said for the last two years it wants to open a store in the South Warwickshire town as it aimed to open even more stores in its 30th year.

And a fresh list of desired locations - published last week - has once again included Kenilworth alongside eight other spots in Warwickshire.

Read more here.

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