District planners have recommended HS2 be given permission to create a major compound along the A46 near Stoneleigh.

The high speed rail developer has been planning to expand Highways England's former site on Stoneleigh Road since April 2022, saying it will return the site to fields after it is finished there in 2028.

HS2 has already had to complete an environmental impact assessment for the 30 hectare development, and has held public consultations.

And while Kenilworth Town Council has raised concerns about the application, a report to be discussed next Wednesday (November 8) by Warwick District Council's planning committee has recommended the scheme be given the green light.

"The proposed development is required in connection with the delivery of HS2, a nationally important infrastructure project," it says.

"There is an existing construction compound being used to deliver a section of the route and the proposal would allow for an extension of the existing compound to facilitate storage and management of materials as well as providing a new access off Stoneleigh Road for all associated construction traffic.

"The proposal would provide several benefits, including reducing construction traffic on local roads and minimising interaction with peak times on the road network.

"The proposal would give rise to a series of environmental impacts which have been considered within this assessment.

"It is considered that the potential impacts of the development can be mitigated to an acceptable extent and, importantly, there would not be any permanent adverse impacts because of the temporary nature of the development."

The outline of the proposed HS2 compound next to the A46 (image via HS2)

HS2 has also recently been given planning permission to build a new roundabout on Stoneleigh Road.

But until this is built, a new T-junction would provide temporary access to the compound.

And while the compound would be built within the green belt, HS2 has said the development should be permitted due to its special circumstances.

"The proposed development will cause some encroachment into the countryside as the area is currently agricultural and undeveloped," the planning application said.

"However, the proposed development should be considered in the context of the construction of HS2 and the adjacent existing construction compound.

"As the proposed development is temporary there will be no permanent encroachment into the countryside from the construction compound extension."

See the full application here.

The updated plans for the Stoneleigh Road compound (image via HS2)