"What we don't need is another estate" was the message from one concerned resident at last week's public meeting on the future of the former Kenilworth School site at Leyes Lane.

Warwick District Council officers and portfolio holders hosted the public meetings on Thursday (January 29) to update locals on the future of the land as a planning application for 224 homes there awaits a decision.

Homes England is pushing for more homes on Leyes Lane - which is allocated for development already - although it is yet to purchase the land from the council.

But locals speaking on Thursday said Kenilworth does not need any more homes.

"How do we get anyone to reconsider? There are a lot of useful buildings there," one local asked. 

"Maybe we can use them, maybe we can build small maisonettes and flats.

"I want the school to be some sort of community facility, keep the sports bits. It could even be a minor injuries unit."

She added: "What we don't need is another estate of big three and four bedroom houses."

In response, Cllr Chris King explained the need for houses locally is mandated by the government and set out in the local plan.

If the houses are not built at Leyes Lane, they would be needed elsewhere.

He explained: "The overall conversation is about the determined need this country has for more housing. 

"You will all be aware of the new local plan which is being developed at the moment, there are a lot of pressures on that. 

"The pressure and deadlines on that come from government and the number of houses they have told every council they should build."

Other concerns about the impact on NHS services of new homes as well as the local roads particularly during construction were also raised by residents.

Meanwhile another public speaker was met with applause when she said: "You just said this is the early stages, but what I have picked up so far is there is no consideration for keeping the astroturf or the sports hall or anything like that. 

"Your hands are tied about GP services and stuff like that. 

"There are nice intentions of what is going to be built. What I haven't heard is anything about the people here, the impact on the value of their homes. 

"I know previously many of us came to the council about the speed humps on Leyes Lane, but it was already a done deal. 

"Can all of you look us in the eye and say that our voice actually matters and will be listened to, because at the moment I just feel it is a bit of a waste of time."

Residents were told to make sure they feedback their views on the planning application before the deadline this week. Council planners will then decide whether to grant planning permission for the development.

Homes England's application for Leyes Lane includes up to 224 new homes, 40 per cent of which would be designated affordable.

The scheme also includes an 'extra care' facility with 75 bedrooms for the elderly.

The council has already said the land would only be sold with a 'development plan' in place which would mandate the number of houses and the energy requirements for development of the Leyes Lane site.