Social Value Ideas for Warwick District Council

Glee Hotel conversion approved

The committee approved the change of use and associated works to the Glee Hotel in Barford, including demolition of modern additions, a single-storey extension and landscaping. Members accepted that t…

“The application seeks a change of use of the former hotels use class C1 to a single dwelling house use class C3. Works include the demolition and erec…”

Replacement dwelling approved

A replacement self-build dwelling at 119 Leester Street was approved despite objections about overshadowing of neighbouring solar panels. Officers relied on specialist solar assessment evidence, concl…

“So yes, this is an application at 119 Lester Street Lemington Spa and it's for the proposed demolition of an existing dorma bungalow and the construct…”

Whitnash shutter refused

The committee refused permission for roller shutters and shopfront alterations at 79 Home Farm Crescent, concluding the security justification was insufficient and the visual impact on the parade woul…

“The proposed need for roller shutters has not been sufficiently justified by the applicant. The roller shutter would be out of character with the exis…”

Gigafactory reserved matters approved

Reserved matters for the Coventry Airport battery manufacturing facility were approved. The scheme covers layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping for the vertical build phase, and officers said it …

“So, to summarize the main points of this application then it's a reserved matters application for the vertical build phase of the approved Gigafactory…”

Designing safety into new housing

Community safety and police teams said they are engaging early with planning colleagues so that crime prevention is built into new developments from the outset rather than added later. The discussion …

“So yes, we have um been engaged with our planning colleagues in terms of um the developments that have been going on over um the last few years. Certa…”

Leamington student scheme refused

The committee rejected the proposed retention of the facade and redevelopment for purpose-built student accommodation at 5-9 Tavistock Street. Officers and members weighed heritage harm against regene…

“The application site relates to a row of curtilage listed former coach houses which originally served properties fronting the parade. The site is also…”

Soundness risk warning

The committee resolved to advise joint cabinet that members have concerns about the genuine deliverability of the plan and that there is a material risk it could return them to the same position quick…

“So I think we're at the members have concerns about the genuine deliverability of the plan and this presents a material risk that we will be back in t…”

Viability review before publication

Members insisted the draft viability assessment must be scrutinised before the next decision, because it affects affordable housing, infrastructure contributions and whether sites are realistic. Offic…

“I just want to be really really clear that we are not this amendment does not say A, we are letting the developers off the hook in any way. I'm sugges…”

Officers to finalise viability work

The council required urgent completion of viability assessment work before Regulation 19 consultation, with the advisory group to scrutinise the draft first. Officers confirmed the full draft had been…

“urgent work is needed to finalize a viability assessment before regulation 19 consultation. I think nothing needs I don't need to add anything to that…”

Further plan changes window opened

A specific action was agreed to allow councillors to submit further minor changes to the publication draft local plan by close of business on Wednesday, subject to approval by leaders and portfolio ho…

“include further minor changes to the publication draft South Warwickshire local plan appendix one. If if they are submitted by counselors in two worki…”

Delay Regulation 19 consultation

The council agreed to delay the Regulation 19 consultation to allow further work on viability, transport, density and other late issues. Members wanted a short but meaningful additional period, with d…

“The other bit there is it says a minimum 6-week public consultation. Uh that word minimum has been added from before because the statutory minimum is …”

Biodiversity rules and local plan

The biodiversity report said the council’s local plan work has strengthened environmental requirements, incorporated Natural England’s green infrastructure framework and retained the statutory 10% bio…

“Work has been ongoing to strengthen planning policies across a range of environmental themes for the new South Orcher local plan. Natural England's gr…”

Glyphosate use reduced again

The council confirmed continued reduction in glyphosate use through the street cleansing contract, with weed spraying now down to one annual spray in most areas and two sprays only in town centres. Th…

“Uh so as councilors may be aware we have been triing a reduction in weed spraying um across the district of streets, pavements and pathways through th…”

Biodiversity net gain reduced to legal minimum

The council accepted that biodiversity net gain targets would not be increased locally above 10% because members were advised central government would not allow a higher statutory requirement. The ear…

“Our local plan through the advisory group, had proposed increasing the biodiversity net gain standard from 10% to 20%. However, it is clear that whate…”

Climate grants fund approved

Council approved a new community climate and nature fund worth £100,000 per year for 2026-27 and 2027-28, delegated to the strategic director in consultation with portfolio holders. The fund may suppo…

“This is a plus+ plus for our community. Um mainly because it's on it's going to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and improve climate resilience, enha…”