An appeal has been lodged after plans to build seven houses on scrubland in Hatton were thrown out by the district council.

Developer KACH Capital Estates is hoping to Warwick District Council's (WDC) decision overturned so it can build a mix of three to five bed houses on land off Charingworth Drive, backing onto Smith's Covert.

Planners blocked the scheme last summer, saying it would have a "harmful impact" on the nearby ancient woodland.

Previous plans to develop the site had been withdrawn in June 2020 due to local wildlife concerns.

But now KACH - which bought the green belt land from Bovis Homes - has lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate in the hope the project will be allowed to go ahead.

"The character of the built form is considered consistent with the surrounding area," the appeal said.

"The development allows views through to the woodland and would not unduly impact on its role as a local landmark.

"Indeed, the woodland edge would be enhanced through the biodiversity enhancements within the proposed buffer zone and improved management of the area."

WDC must now submit its own case to the planning inspector.

The original refusal report said: "Smith's Covert, which consists of ancient woodland, contributes to the irregular settlement outline, typical of development within a rural setting, and helps to tie the housing estate into the wider more rural landscape setting.

"The proposed dwellings, a closely grouped mix of two and 2.5 storey buildings and adjoining garages, will create a continuous development line that will mainly screen the woodland edge from public viewpoints. 

"This is considered to have a harmful impact on the setting of the woodland, by enclosing views of the woodland and diminishing its presence as an important landscape feature, detracting from the verdant, tranquil nature of the area."

The scheme also received 34 objections from members of the public.

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