Planning application receives nearly 90 objections as Kenilworth Lido Campaign Group has its say
By James Smith 1st Nov 2021
The Kenilworth Lido Campaign group has objected to certain aspects of the redevelopment plan for the Abbey Fields Leisure Centre, taking the total number of objections to nearly 90.
As of 15 March 2021 the planning application for the swimming pool site has received 88 objections. The vast majority of said objections come from the public, and health professionals who would like to see outdoor swimming retained in Abbey Fields.
The objections also include comment from Emma Pusill, lido expert and co-author of the 'Lido Guide of Great Britain' She has made it clear that Kenilworth's outdoor pool could be run profitably if the current operator is prepared to change its business model.
The Kenilworth Lido Campaign group has, as expected, made a detailed objection to the application on a number of grounds including insufficient parking for expected increased usage of site, inadequate disabled parking, poor highways access, design and layout insensitive to surroundings, scant regard to modern energy and sustainability requirements and loss of an existing amenity (outdoor swimming).
An objection has also been received from Historic England expressing its concern about the potential damage to the archaeology known to be present on the site.
It should be noted that there are currently just 12 comments in support of the application and five general comments.
On Sunday 14 March the Guardian ran an article detailing the growing popularity of outdoor swimming leading to a string of facilities opening across the country including Hull, Bath, Brighton and Salford.
Kenilworth is mentioned in the article as having a lido that is expected to be demolished by the local council.
The Kenilworth Lido Campaign Group now intends to lobby town councillors to draw their attention to the high level of objections, and in particular those from influential sources ahead of their meeting on 18 March when they are expected to decide whether or not to respond to the planning application before it goes before WDC planning committee.
If the applications is approved then WDC is proposing the following timeline for development:
March 2021 - Finalise documents
June 2021 - Select preferred demolition and construction contractorsAugust 2021- Approval of contractors and costs by Project Board
September 2021 - Start on site (demolition)October 2022 - Castle Farm Leisure Centre opens
December 2022 - Abbey Fields Swimming Pool opens If you liked this article, why not subscribe to our newsletter? Just enter your email address in the box at the bottom of this piece. Remember to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.
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