Kenilworth Town Council has lodged a formal objection to 776 new homes for Kenilworth being included in the new South Warwickshire Local Plan.

The town council has objected through the latest public consultation - the regulation 19 consultation - which closes for feedback this week.

In detailed feedback prepared on its behalf by planning consultants Black Box Planning, the town council argues the land proposed to be developed in Kenilworth to the south of Rouncil Lane "fails key tests of soundness" set out in national planning policy and should be removed from the SWLP before it is submitted to the government for approval.

The council's objections focus on four principal areas: the justification for releasing green belt land, the impact on the heritage setting of Kenilworth Castle and its Registered Park and Garden, the failure to properly consider alternative growth strategies, and significant unresolved concerns over infrastructure, transport, education, drainage and viability.

The submission argues that the evidence used to classify the land - referred to as KEN.1 - as 'grey belt' is flawed and that the site's heritage sensitivity has not been adequately assessed.

It further contends that the infrastructure required to support development has not been properly tested or costed and that the Plan does not demonstrate how growth on the site could be delivered effectively.

The town council believes these concerns extend far beyond Kenilworth.

Because the South Warwickshire Local Plan relies heavily on Green Belt release, other sites identified as 'grey belt' land may be affected by the same evidence base errors used to justify KEN.1.

The council argues that the proposal raises wider questions about the soundness and deliverability of other proposed allocations on 'grey belt' land and in turn undermines the soundness of the entire plan being promoted by Warwick District Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

Leader of Kenilworth Town Council, Cllr Mark Stevens, said: "The town council's position is clear.

"Key elements of the South Warwickshire Local Plan are not fit for purpose in its current form.

"The evidence underpinning the proposed KEN.1 allocation is flawed, the infrastructure needed to support development has not been adequately demonstrated, and the Plan is therefore not deliverable as proposed.

"Just as importantly, it fails to respect Kenilworth's unique heritage, including the historic setting of Kenilworth Castle and its surrounding landscape.

"We are urging the plan's authors to remove KEN.1 and reconsider a strategy that better reflects both national planning policy and the special character of our town."

Kenilworth Town Council is calling on the SWLP authorities to delete KEN.1 and review the wider strategy before the Plan proceeds to independent examination. The full Kenilworth Town Council response to the SWLP can be found online here.

A joint statement from the two district 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."