Works to build a new roundabout on Glasshouse Lane for a 620-house estate currently being built in Kenilworth are set to be delayed.

When planning permission was first granted for the Stoneleigh View development, developer Vistry agreed to build the new four-arm roundabout, and a junction on Crewe Lane to provide access to the new homes.

However, with roadworks along the Glasshouse Lane for the new Kenilworth School already behind schedule, Warwick District Council (WDC) has given Vistry permission to delay works on the roundabout.

It was due to be built in time for the first buyers to move in this summer, with the Crewe Lane junction to follow when the new spine road was built.

Instead, the first 100 homeowners will now access their houses through the current temporary access road built for the show homes.

And all construction traffic is now set to be sent down Crewe Lane to access the development there.

The roundabout will then be built in time for the 100th house being occupied.

"This will allow Vistry the necessary time to complete the roundabout, which will require road space for the works to be completed, following the completion of the secondary school," the application said.

The estate will eventually have a roundabout on Glasshouse Lane and a junction on Crewe Lane (image via planning application)

Kenilworth Town Council had objected to the new arrangements, saying it was unsafe to send more lorries down Crewe Lane.

"It was felt that Crewe Lane is currently suitable for a small amount of traffic and could not sustain additional vehicles in the format being suggested," the council's objection said. 

"Furthermore, the junction with Glasshouse Lane/Knowle Hill/Hidcote Road is unsuitable for large volumes of traffic due to its undulating form."

But district planners said the new plans were acceptable.

"The applicants have demonstrated that the temporary arrangements can provide an acceptable form of access for site users without being detrimental to highway safety," a WDC report said. 

"I am satisfied that the overall scheme will not change and the limited period of these contingency measures would have no resultant harm." 

Works traffic will now be sent down Crewe Lane (image by James Smith)

In 2021 the district council announced it would be investing £60 million to help build the 620 homes next to the new Kenilworth School, in a joint project with Countryside Partnerships - which is part of Vistry Group.

The Stoneleigh View development will see 310 houses built for rent or shared ownership through the council's HomeChoice Scheme, or for private rental through Milverton Homes - the council's housing company.

The remaining 310 properties will be sold privately under the Linden Homes and Bovis Homes brands.

Linden Homes began selling the first houses at its Stoneleigh View development in March, and has now unveiled a new four-bedroom show home.

Bovis has also now opened two show homes on the site.

Detailed plans for the major estate - which will wrap around the Woodside Hotel and new Kenilworth School - were approved by Warwick District Council last November despite concerns over sustainability.

The planning committee also raised concerns over transparency with the major development a joint venture between Vistry Linden and Milverton Homes.