Residents have raised thousands of pounds almost overnight in an attempt block a planning appeal which could see 83 new homes built in Leek Wootton.

Developer CALA Homes has requested an appeal for its latest application to build a new housing estate on land around Warwickshire Police's headquarters, having not received a response from Warwick District Council (WDC).

But locals, who do not want the scheme to go ahead, have already raised over £5,000 through a GoFundMe page to help fight the case.

Launched on Thursday (May 18) by Leek Wootton Focus Group (LWFG), the statement alongside the fundraiser says the group is not "opposed in principle to new housing" but claims CALA's plans will alter the character of the village and harm the local environment.

"In order to ensure that our case is well made, we urgently need to raise funds to obtain legal/planning advice and representation," organisers said.

"This will include instructing a barrister and/or planning consultant and other relevant expert. as advised by our planning experts.

"This will require a massive funding raising effort in a very short period of time. Crowd funding has been chosen as a fast and practical way to raise the necessary funds."

LWFG is aiming to raise £20,000 ahead of a six-day enquiry which will begin on Tuesday, 25 July with a final decision on the application expected on or before 18 September.

CALA has actually submitted two applications to develop the land. The first came in March 2022, the developer having purchased the plot from the police force the previous December.

With the first planning application still yet to be determined, the developer then submitted a second scheme to WDC in November 2022.

But with a decision still pending on both applications, CALA has now submitted an appeal to the planning inspectorate to move the process along.

"This appeal follows the failure of Warwick District Council to determine an application for outline planning permission within the statutory 13-week period," CALA's appeal form said.

The planning inspectorate has said the appeal is valid, so both CALA and the council must now present their own case.

CALA also claimed its second application had only come as a result of district officers failing to respond to negotiations.

"The applicant sought to open negotiations with officers at the council but despite repeated attempts, there has been no response," the application states. 

"By submitting an outline application, it is hoped that the issues can be narrowed down and progress can be made on delivering the allocated housing site."

Of the 83 homes, 40 per cent would be for affordable housing, with the majority being built for social rent.

See the fundraiser here.

See the application and appeal here.