The development of the former Kenilworth School sites at Leyes Lane and Rouncil Lane for housing form part of Warwick District’s current Local Plan (2015-2029).

The new Kenilworth School and Sixth Form costing £45.6m opened in 2023 was the largest school-build project in England, which thanks to the support of Warwick District Council was enabled through S106 developer contributions and housing infrastructure funds, having received no direct funding from the government or local education authority.

To facilitate the relocation of the school the Council entered into a contract with Homes England for the delivery of housing on the vacant sites. Breaking this contract would require repayment of the infrastructure grants received with significant consequences for tax payers. 

Although the demolition of the buildings on Leyes Lane forms part of the formal planning application for the site that is currently under consideration, a separate submission was made under ‘permitted development’ regulations, that requires the applicant to submit a notification that seeks ‘prior approval’ for the method of demolition and restoration of the site (these are the only matters that can be taken into consideration in a ‘prior approval’ submission).

The ‘prior approval’ has been given and any works will need to be in accordance with the requirements set out within the submitted method statement and conditions imposed on the decision. The demolition works must also comply with any other relevant legislation such as Health and Safety as well as Environmental Laws for protected species.

The Local Planning Authority will still have to consider the demolition of the school as part of the formal planning application for the site. This application must be referred to the Planning Committee, and the date will be publicised on the planning portal of the Council’s website, with the opportunity given for members of the public to address the committee.

The prior approval will have a significant bearing on the level of consideration we can give the demolition element of the planning application.

The delivery of affordable and sustainable housing to meet local need remains a priority for our Council.