A housing developer will need to produce an 'environmental impact assessment' (EIA) before it can progress with plans for 330 homes.

Taylor Wimpey has been told by Warwick District Council (WDC) it must produce the EIA before a full planning application is submitted for the development off Aylesbury Road, Hockley Heath.

Plans show the 14.4 hectare plot - which covers three fields - would also have a series of footpaths and cycleways created.

"The site is bound by Aylesbury Road to the north, with private scrub land to the west and agricultural fields south and east," a submission to the council said.

"The site consists of three large agricultural fields which are utilised for arable farming. 

"Mature trees and hedgerows define boundaries between agricultural fields.

"The site is approximately 500m from the local centre of Hockley Heath, which contains a primary school, dental surgeries, a range of restaurants and pubs, small shops and recreation ground and open space."

The location plan for the proposed new estate (image via planning application)

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In its response, WDC explained the assessment is needed to "protect the environment" by ensuring planners have all the information on the impact of a development before making a decision.

"Whilst it is accepted that the proposal may give rise to some environmental impacts which would need to be assessed as part of the planning application process, it is that the landscape and ecological impacts identified in this particular set of circumstances may give rise to significant effects having regard to the criteria within the Regulations to require an environmental statement," a council report said.

A full planning application will need to be submitted for the development.