Wellesbourne Innovation Campus could become one the government's new investment zones if a joint bid by Warwickshire County Council and other local authorities is successful.

Alongside the West Midlands Gigafactory at Coventry Airport, the technology campus has been put forward in the hope of benefitting from the relaxed tax and planning rules the investment zones will bring.

Part of the University of Warwick, the Wellesbourne site is a major centre for agritech and crop science as well as the automotive industry.

The government, which is in talks with 38 different authorities, said the zones will add £1.4 billion a year to the economy, creating over 25,000 jobs, 450 new homes and 1.3 million sqm of commercial space. 

But they have attracted some criticism from environmental campaigners who fear they could promote development at the cost of nature, a claim which the leader of WCC Cllr Izzi Seccombe, has spoken out against.

"While the council is absolutely committed to driving economic growth and bringing investment and jobs into Warwickshire, this cannot be at the expense of the county's overarching mission to protect the environment for future generations, while supporting the decarbonisation of the economy and of transport," she said.

"The sites submitted provide a strong sectoral link around the future of automotive and the electrification of West Midlands and UK automotive.   

"At this stage, we are making expressions of interest so there is a lot that remains to be done.

"Early indications are that we can work alongside partners to ensure that we maximise the many really exciting opportunities offered to the county in terms of growth, jobs, inward investment, bringing outstanding talent to the county and, as importantly, keeping it here. 

"But we will seek the creation of Investment Zones without compromising our commitment to the environment and driving the county towards net zero emissions by 2035."    

Bids to turn Judkins Quarry and the MIRA South Site into investment zones have also been submitted for north Warwickshire.