A housing developer has won its battle to push through plans for 83 homes on land around Warwickshire Police's headquarters in Leek Wootton.

Applicant Cala Homes secured a planning inquiry after its 2022 application to develop the site was not dealt with within the statutory 13 weeks by Warwick District Council.

Councillors have since discussed the application and a second "identical" plan to develop the site around Woodcote House, deciding to oppose the schemes.

An inquiry was started at the end of October 2023 before being closed in February, with the decision to allow the development made public yesterday (May 24).

"The development would have no significant effect on the ability to appreciate and experience the building [Woodcote House] from its immediate surroundings or from the public realm to the south, where public views are still achievable," the inspector wrote.

"The development would not impede or intrude substantially into these views.

"The most important surviving areas of parkland and designed landscape would also be retained."

The 44-page report also considered other issues including the impact on local roads, in particular the Anchor Junction.

Other questions around the need for new homes and the impact on local services were also considered.

However, it added: "The development would deliver 83 dwellings, including 40 per cent affordable units.

"Whatever my conclusions on the five-year housing land supply, it is clear that there is a significant need for market and affordable housing in Warwick.

"Indeed, even a healthy five-year land supply position would not negate the need to meet the overall housing requirement in the WDLP.

"The housing would make an important contribution to meeting that requirement.

"The delivery of 40 per cent affordable housing, while no more than policy requires, would still be very welcome in the context of need for that type of housing."

Last year residents raised thousands of pounds in an attempt to block the planning appeal.

The developer purchased the plot from the police force in December 2021.

During the inquiry the plans were altered slightly under a legal precedent known as the Wheatcroft principle. 

An access track that serves neighbouring East Lodge is no longer planned to be used by vehicles, leaving a single access point off Woodcote Lane.

A reserved matters application must now be submitted before any building works can take place. This will consider the size and appearance of the houses as well as other key elements of the layout.

See the full application and decision here.