A parish council has said there is "overwhelming evidence" against plans to build more than 2,000 new homes and community facilities on rural land between Leamington Spa and Kenilworth.

Split across two parcels, the land - which looks destined to be included in the new South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) - surrounds Kenilworth Road.

The proposed 2,000 new houses are being challenged by a new study that warns of "chronic failings in infrastructure planning", alongside concerns about flooding, wildlife protection and the loss of agricultural land.

Evidence challenging the sites comes from an investigation commissioned by Old Milverton and Blackdown Joint Parish Council.

It raises the question: is the designated "grey belt" land suitable for development, or is it an important green belt landscape protecting Leamington and Kenilworth?

The parish council says its argument is not whether South Warwickshire needs new homes, but where they should be built.

It says it supports the need for new housing and community facilities, while arguing the two parcels of land should not be developed "at the expense of its green belt and environmental value".

The council's study also raises concerns about the loss of high-quality agricultural land.

A statement from the council said the site includes Grade 2 Best and Most Versatile agricultural soil and is currently used to grow crops including wheat and oats for major national food manufacturers.

The parish council argues developing the site would result in the "permanent loss of productive farmland and reduce the open countryside separating Leamington and Kenilworth".

It said the study also highlights concerns about surface water and runoff, which it says could present local flooding challenges.

A central issue in the council's analysis is the traffic impact of 2,000 new homes. It said - according to the government traffic model - the development could generate more than 10,000 additional vehicle journeys a day.

This would be equivalent to almost seven extra journeys every minute if spread evenly across 24 hours.

Campaigners and opponents fear this volume could increase congestion along key local routes, including Kenilworth Road, Rugby Road, through the town centre and surrounding rural lanes.

The final public consultation on SWLP runs until 11.5pm on Tuesday 8 September. The parish council is urging locals to make sure they have their say before then.

Jamie Emmerson, chair of Old Milverton and Blackdown Joint Parish Council, said: "There is overwhelming evidence that these sites should never have been included in the local plan.

"It is not too late to remove them, and we urge all concerned residents to respond to the consultation by 8 September."

Housing developer Taylor Wimpey has already started to move forward with plans to build 1,000 new houses around Sandy Lane. The estate would also include a new supermarket, primary school, local centre, allotment, public open space and playing fields.

Gary Tucker, Strategic Projects Director at Taylor Wimpey, said: "We recognise that strategic growth at this scale represents a generational change for Leamington, building on the previous growth of the New Milverton area.

"For this reason, we are keen to involve local people in shaping the vision for a new neighbourhood that will integrate with the existing community of north Leamington in a sustainable and positive way.

"We want to ensure that, alongside delivering high-quality homes to help meet the council's housing targets, we also provide the infrastructure and facilities that will serve the needs of new and existing residents."

Referred to as the regulation 19 consultation, the latest public feedback window is asking for locals to comment on whether SWLP is a compliant and "legally sound" document.

SWLP is being created jointly by Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils.

A joint statement from the two said: "The South Warwickshire Local Plan will guide where new homes, businesses, employment and infrastructure are located across the combined Stratford and Warwick District boundary areas up to 2050.

"It aims to ensure that development is carefully planned and supported by the necessary infrastructure including roads, schools, health facilities and green spaces to meet the future needs of local communities."

Cllr George Cowcher, Stratford portfolio holder for planning and economic development said: "This plan gives us the opportunity to plan positively for South Warwickshire's future, delivering the homes our communities need while protecting and enhancing the green spaces and landscapes that make our area so special.

"By balancing housing growth with environmental stewardship and investment in infrastructure, we can create thriving, sustainable communities for generations to come.

"We have listened carefully to the views expressed throughout the process and have refined the plan accordingly.

"I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of our towns, villages and rural communities to take part in this consultation and ensure their views are considered before the Plan is submitted for independent examination."