Kenilworth could be absorbed into Coventry, residents concerned about the new South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) have said.

Impacts on local services, roads and schools have also been raised by residents who have had their say on land near Burton Green and south of Kenilworth being developed.

Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils have published feedback from a recent public consultation into the major planning document which will ultimately decide where tens of thousands of new homes are built across the two areas over the next 25 years.

As well as 12 potential locations for 'new settlements', the document also charts the feedback on potential 'strategic growth areas where housing would be built by existing developments.

Two of these are around Kenilworth - the 'south of Coventry group' and 'south of Kenilworth group'.

Areas considered for growth in the new South Warwickshire Local Plan

South of Kenilworth

On the latter (referred to as SG04) 269 locals shared their opinions, 219 of which were objections.

"Respondents highlighted that the allocation of SG04 would place intolerable pressure on local services and infrastructure," the report said. 

"Healthcare provision is already at capacity, with GP surgeries and dental practices unable to absorb additional patients. 

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"Educational facilities have no spare places, and no schools are within easy walking distance of the site. 

"Road corridors such as Warwick Road, Rouncil Lane and Rounds Hill operate at peak capacity, with further housing risking severe congestion and strain on emergency access."

South of Coventry

Of the 238 people who had their say on the Coventry group, residents were split with 105 objecting and 109 supporting.

Summarising feedback to the consultation, the report said: "It is recognised that road upgrades, including new link roads to the A46, have the potential to support growth and alleviate local congestion although there are also objections to the delivery of new roads with a need to prioritise public transport and active travel.

"High-density housing linked directly to public and active-travel routes may alleviate some transport pressures. 

"A clear infrastructure strategy is suggested as essential to ensure sustainable connectivity and avoid undermining existing network performance."

Areas proposed for development in Warwick district (image via SWLP)\

It continued: "Respondents expressed concern that the policy would undermine the green belt and historic character around Kenilworth, Burton Green and Coventry. 

"Urban sprawl may merge Kenilworth with Coventry and Warwick, eroding the distinct identities of historic settlements."

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A local councillor has recently suggested a country park be created between Kenilworth and Coventry to prevent the two from merging.

District councillor Kyn Aizlewood said this could reduce the number of houses allocated to the land south of Coventry (referred to as SG01) from 6,000 to 4,000.

South Warwickshire's future

Further development is also proposed around Stoneleigh - again with locals split on whether the area is suitable or not.

The results of the survey were published last month as part of a 595-page report feeding back the results of the public survey.

An abridged 76-page summary report has also been shared.

Both highlighted there were public concerns about the "lack of infrastructure to support the proposed quantum of growth" across the whole of South Warwickshire.

"It was considered that the proposed amount of growth will have a detrimental impact on the plan area," the report said.

It added: "Commentary from respondents revealed a significant divide between the councils' aspirations and the public's perception of the plan's feasibility, with a wide range of responses received."

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The much-delayed document is yet to be finalised, but will ultimately govern where some 35,000 houses are built in the region.