A parish council has objected to plans for a new cancer treatment centre to be built between Leamington Spa and Kenilworth.

Nuffield Health & Icon Group has applied to Warwick District Council for what it says will be a "start of the art" facility at Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital, on Old Milverton Lane. 

But  Old Milverton and Blackdown Joint Parish Council has objected to the application saying there it is "inappropriate development" in the green belt and would have inadequate parking.

"It is for a standalone service which could and should be provided in a more sustainable location, on a brownfield site closer to train stations and a wider bus network," the objection said.

"It should not be permitted because it does not meet the criteria for appropriate development."

It added: "This development would undermine the purposes of the remaining green belt because it reduces its openness.

"A large building would be visible at the green belt boundary rather than a wooded area.

"The applicants argue that there would be tree screening but the plans show that the existing tree cover would be reduced to a very sparse boundary.

"Indeed it is not clear whether all the trees would need to be removed for the development to take place, in which case all screening would be removed until any replacement trees reach maturity."

In its application to the council, Nuffield said the two-storey building would be built across 55 existing car parking spaces.

The facility - which would house radiography treatment - would be timber clad to offer "luxury facilities compared to traditional hospital environments".

Following the original objection by the parish council, Nuffield amended its designs slightly, but the objection has been maintained.

Nuffield announced plans for the development earlier this year with Icon to provide specialist radiation oncology services that complement Nuffield Health's existing cancer care.

"The new development will significantly enhance the hospital's existing cancer care services by introducing specialist treatment, some of which is currently unavailable through Nuffield Health in Warwickshire," the application said. 

"These include radiotherapy using a Linear Accelerator, PET/CT diagnostic, chemotherapy, and associated consultation and treatment services. 

"The proposed facility will enhance and expand the existing Nuffield Health Hospital services provided."

See the full plans here.