Plans for 250 new homes in Leek Wootton would "erode" the character of the village, residents objecting to the scheme have said.

Over 30 locals have objected to Caddick Land Limited's application for a new estate on land between Warwick Road, the dual carriageway, and the roundabout with Coventry Road.

Plans show the estate would include a mixture of one to four bedroom houses, half of which would be designated affordable homes.

The developer held a public consultation before submitting the application, and said it responded to concerns raised by locals.

Objections flood in

A range of objections have been submitted by locals, including claims the estate would not be in keeping with the rest of Leek Wootton.

Mary Chalkley wrote: "The scale-up to 250 dwellings-represents a major and abrupt expansion rather than proportionate village growth. When taken in conjunction with already approved developments in Leek Wootton, the cumulative effect would be overwhelming."

Richard Elliot added: "Such a development would transform the village to a suburb of Warwick and Kenilworth and erode the character and identity of Leek Wootton."

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Other locals have also questioned whether the land is green belt or grey belt, and whether it should be developed given it is not earmarked in the current local plan for new homes.

Susan Robbins said: "This new outline planning application is not in a designated area for development, and contravenes the local plan.

"The land is in the green belt and therefore not appropriate for building and it would change what is a small village into a suburb of Kenilworth/Warwick."

Charles Harris added: "The application attempts to describe the land as 'grey belt', however in reality it is clearly open agricultural land that performs a meaningful role in preventing coalescence between settlements.

"The scale of what is proposed, around 250 homes, is not a minor extension.

"It is a substantial urban expansion that would permanently alter the edge and character of the village.

"Leek Wootton has a distinct, semi-rural identity, which the applicant's own documents acknowledge.

"This proposal would erode that character and push development well beyond the natural settlement boundary."

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Developer's Say

Plans show a shop or community facility would also be included in the estate, as would a play area and sports pitches.

The estate would cover 19.3 hectares of "predominantly arable agricultural land".

"Whilst appearance is a matter to be reserved for future determination, it is expected that the proposed development will reflect the character and appearance of existing properties within the immediate context of the site," the application said.

Caddick also said the development includes "land to be safeguarded for use by All Saints Church of England Academy, either for improvements to existing facilities or as part of their expansion plans".

Click here to see the full planning application.

The houses would be built near the A46 junction (image via planning application)