Local residents will be given their say on plans to turn a former landfill site into a public open space.

Kenilworth Town Council (KTC) revealed plans to bring land around Cherry Orchard into wider use earlier this year, and the project could come to fruition by the end of next year.

The land near the town’s recycling centre is informally used by dog walkers, even though it is private land.

The council is now working to find a manageable way of creating a new public space there, and has already started to meet with Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to get the project underway.

“We had a good look around and saw what was there and discussed in detail what was to be done,” said Cllr James Kennedy at the most recent KTC meeting. 

“There was general agreement among the officers that the Cherry Orchard site should be developed for public amenity and for wildlife and biodiversity.”

He added: “We are agreed that the status should be changed to allow informal access to the public, legitimising the current uses, but it should not be formalised to create a country park or something like that, as that would not be appropriate. 

“WCC who own the site would advise on what status would be most appropriate.”

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Over the coming months WCC will put together a new management plan for the land.

The county council will also investigate the presence of methane and other gases from the landfill. 

Cllr Kennedy continued: “By the end of January WCC are asked to complete a draft management plan to share with us, Kenilworth Town Council. 

“By the end of March to send out a consultation with residents, particularly those living around the area, this council would support the consultation. 

“Then at the end of June the final revised plan would be signed off by all the authorities involved, and then volunteer involvement could begin in September next year.”