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

Pool Progress

Works on the new Abbey Fields swimming pools are three months ahead of schedule, according to a report presented to Kenilworth Town Council.

The regular update said the project could now be completed in mid-April 2026, some 12 weeks ahead of schedule.

Work on site in Abbey Fields resumed again in March 2024 after construction had ceased following the discovery of archaeological remains in 2022.

Read more here

Homes Heading to Village

More than 100 new homes in Balsall Common has been approved – disappointing locals who opposed the plans.

Richborough Estates put forward the scheme to build on land at Frog Lane as long ago as October 2023. 

The application for outline planning permission finally went before Solihull Council planning committee's latest meeting on Wednesday, March 5. 

Read the full story here.

A46 Defences

A new flood defence scheme along the A46 in South Warwickshire has been handed a planning boost.

The Environment Agency (EA) said the project could protect nearly 300 homes to the west of Warwick, with the scheme hoped to come to fruition in 2026.

EA has put forward plans around St John's Brook where it says there is a "very significant risk of flooding", particularly around Exham Close and Woodloes Estate.

Read more here.

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