Homes set to advance for former police HQ site

An application proposing the construction of up to 83 homes on a site which previously formed part of the Warwickshire Police headquarters could soon move forward.CALA Homes is seeking outline permission to develop land at Woodcote Lane in Leek Wootton, Warwick.The site is in two parts: the main area of land known as The Paddock together with a smaller parcel of land known as The Old Tennis Court.The Paddock is formed of open grassland that previously formed part of the Warwickshire Police headquarters, while The Old Tennis Court has been used as an overflow parking and dog training area.Additionally, the land also falls under a specific allocation for the Warwickshire Police Headquarters. The nearest listed building is Woodcote House which lies to the west.Warwick District Council’s planning committee will review the plans on 11 October.A report for the committee said: “The principle of development has been considered acceptable as the site forms part of a wider allocation, although circumstances have now changed that preclude bringing the whole site forwards for a comprehensive re-development.”As the parcels of land associated with this development are separate entities, officers are satisfied that some housing can be realised on these land parcels and, as the balance of the allocated site area will remain within the control of Warwickshire Police, the existing heritage asset of Woodcote House will be maintained.”This concern was a driving factor behind the requirement for a comprehensive redevelopment project.”