The former leader of Warwick District Council has called on the authority's current top councillors to make the long-awaited Tachbrook Country Park a priority.

The council signed off on plans for the new 40-hectare public space in November 2022, following lengthy delays to the project.

However, much of the area still remains under private ownership while the process of land transfer continues, and no completion date for the project is in sight.

The council has now confirmed an undisclosed amount of land has now been transferred from developers AC Lloyd to the authority.

A statement released today (March 28) said the council expects the rest of the land to come under its jurisdiction "in the next few weeks".

The land transfer was revealed by Cllr Andrew Day at the most recent full council meeting, as he urged the new administration to do what it can to move the project along.

"It is terribly important that residents actually see the community benefits for the development [around South Warwickshire]," he said.

"We are taking one new family into Bishop's Tachbrook for ten years. It is a significant fact if they do not get the public benefits."

He added: "Could you please make this a priority for the administration to deliver that Tachbrook Coutry Park...and ensuring there are public benefits from all those residents waiting now eight years in some cases for these facilities.

"This last year, nothing has happened, except for finally this land transfer.

"I understand why, but it is going to take coordinated leadership across the whole administration...I am asking for your assurance that you will make this a priority."

Stretching between Bishop's Tachbrook, Whitnash, Leamington Spa and Warwick, Tachbrook Country Park will become one of the largest green spaces in the district connecting the new housing developments to Oakley School and other major public amenities planned for the area.

Orchards, two allotment areas, a community growing area, a cafe, and children's play areas are all set to be included in the plans.

This as well as an 'ecological wetland habitat' with viewing platform, a wildflower meadow, and a children's play trail.

But responding to Cllr Day, leader of the council Cllr Ian Davison said there was no secret answer to moving the project along.

"The Tachbrook Country Park is one of many projects that seem from the outside as 'why don't you just get on with it," he said. 

"And of course, as you know very well, there are huge details with all of these. 

"I am quite happy to have an update and meet with you and Cllr Roberts to see if there is a way to get it to go faster…but there are an amazing amount of hurdles for these big projects."

WDC has reminded locals not to enter the country park site "as the ground conditions underfoot are unknown and potentially hazardous, with deep culverts".

Read more about the country park plans here.

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