A "gap" exists between the amount of money available to create Tachbrook Country Park and the likely new costs for the project, a council report has revealed.

Warwick District Council (WDC) signed off on plans for the new 40-hectare public space in November 2022, but delays have continued to hit the scheme.

Councillors will next week discuss the funding issues for the project, with the updated cost estimates currently still confidential.

However, the council report explained: "There remains a gap between available funds and the revised estimate cost. 

"This gap needs to be addressed, or the scheme needs to be further amended. 

"The assessment from a technical point of view is that reducing the scheme further to bridge the gap would undermine the planning permission to the extent that we would need to effectively begin again, adding to delay and ironically to costs."

Council documents reveal £3.7 million has been brought forward from the scheme through section 106 agreements - money raised from developers in the area. Meanwhile a further £280,000 is still to come to the local authority.

Outline plans for Tachbrook Country Park (image via WDC)

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WDC's position is further complicated by the fact the planning permission runs out in November 2025, and therefore work needs to begin or a new planning application would be needed.

Delays have continued as the council does not own all the land the park will be built on.

Two of the four plots have been transferred to the council, but work is still needed on the other two.

Last year WDC announced Plincke Landscape Ltd has been appointed to help with the "crucial stage of the development process" of creating more detailed plans.

Stretching between Bishop's Tachbrook, Whitnash, Leamington Spa and Warwick, Tachbrook Country Park will become one of the largest green spaces in the district connecting the new housing developments to Oakley School and other major public amenities planned for the area.

Orchards, two allotment areas, a community growing area, a café, and children's play areas are all set to be included in the plans.

This as well as an 'ecological wetland habitat' with viewing platform, a wildflower meadow, and a children's play trail.