A field in Stoneleigh could be turned into a plant nursery if a compulsory purchase order by HS2 does not go ahead.

An application for the land next to Stareton Lane has requested permission for the plot to be used for other purposes if it is not needed for the high-speed rail line.

The scheme submitted to Warwick District Council has asked whether "there may have been a reasonable prospect for this land to be granted planning permission for a different form of development".

Two semi-detached affordable houses, a 750-panel solar farm, a garden extension for a neighbouring house and a paddock were all put forward.

But a report that will be discussed by the council's planning committee tomorrow (October 10) has recommended that only a small horticultural business with polytunnels and a plant nursery be allowed.

The report said: "The principle of a horticultural business on the site is supported by policy, subject to an appropriate scale of the use and size, siting and design of the building and landscaping. 

"It is therefore recommended to issue a positive conditional certificate for this development type."

The land, which sits in the green belt next to Stareton Wood and Stare Hill Local Wildlife Site was deemed inappropriate for any other sort of development.

"No other planning uses or development are considered to be appropriate on the land," the report added.

(Header image by Anne Burgess via geograph.org.uk)