A housing developer has won its appeal to force through an application for 140 new homes off Westwood Heath Road.

Warwick District Council had previously refused the proposal from IM Land 1 Limited, forcing the developer to appeal the decision to the planning inspectorate.

Council officers had recommended the application be approved, but it was narrowly voted down by the councillors on the planning committee.

When the appeal was submitted, the local authority chose not to fight it, after taking legal advice on the application.

And now a planning inspector has granted planning permission, and told the council to cover the developer's costs.

"There is no dispute that the council is unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply," the inspector wrote.

"The government's objective is to significantly boost the supply of housing and the proposal would provide 140 new dwellings, including affordable housing, and contribute towards the council's under supply.

"It would also lead to a time limited economic benefit during the construction phase, as well as social and economic benefits resulting from future occupiers."

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The report added: "I consider that the adverse impacts of granting planning permission would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits."

See the full planning application here.