Highways officers have raised concerns and more objections have been made to plans for 180 new homes in Kenilworth.

The application from Richborough Estates for Rouncil Lane has been met with opposition from locals as well as town councillors who said the town is "straining at the seams".

And now, highways officers from Warwickshire County Council have said several issues need to be addressed before the plans can move forward.

An objection was submitted to the application at the end of July, saying the developer needed to give more thought to the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

It said a joint footpath and cycle track with a new crossing at Rounds Hill is needed to "provide safer access for walking, wheeling and cycling" between the development and local schools.

Highways officers also said the "well-used" National Cycle Network Route 52 passes the development, meaning lots of cyclists will be in the area.

Officers said a 30mph speed limit should be moved closer to the estate's entrance and that more lighting should be installed on Rouncil Lane.

The objection also said £450,000 would be required from the developer to provide bus services, with a new pair of bus stops needed on Rouncil Lane.

"Before determination, road safety audits will need to be carried out on each point of access fronting the public highway, and any necessary mitigation measures agreed," the objection said.

Officers also said the spine road needs to be completed early on in the development to reduce the impact on neighbouring roads.

In response, Richborough has now submitted a lengthy road impact report. Further comment is yet to be made by the county's highways team.

Plans state half the homes would be designated 'affordable housing'.

Meanwhile two play areas and an extension to the neighbouring St Johns allotments would be created on the estate.

The scheme also includes a new junction off Rouncil Lane, with the estate planned to border the former sixth form site.

In its application to Warwick District Council, Richborough wrote: "The site is located to the southern edge of Kenilworth and provides a natural extension to the settlement.

"Our vision is to create an attractive new development that makes a positive impact on the local area.

"The proposed scheme responds positively to its setting having undergone a thorough assessment, consultation and design process.

"The proposal represents a high quality, well designed and sustainable development."

Click here to see the application in full.