Green light for redevelopment: Leamington set for 36 new apartments
Plans to demolish existing buildings and redevelop them into 36 one-bedroom apartments in Leamington have been granted.
The plans, submitted by Orbit Group, regard 1 to 49 Rusina Court, Ranelagh Terrace in South Leamington.
The site currently contains a total of 49 flats (29 one-bedroom flats and 20 bedsit units) managed by Orbit Group, which are to be replaced with 36 modern, energy-efficient homes for rent.
The new three-storey buildings will be arranged in two separate blocks, with each block containing 18 one and two-bedroom apartments.
Designs have evolved through positive discussions with planning and conservation officers, addressing previous concerns.
Supporting technical reports confirm the development is feasible and compliant with local planning policies, justifying timely approval.
The planning application states: "An assessment undertaken by Orbit has stated that the existing houses are in a poor condition with low thermal efficiency, therefore the need to regenerate the site is established."
Pre-application advice was sought and received in March 2023 on the proposals whereby the original scheme proposed 36 one-bedroom units arranged in three number, three-storey blocks sorted linearly along the site.
However, several key changes were suggested, including the fact that trees on the boundaries of the site should be retained "where possible," and "residential amenity for residents of the proposed and neighbouring homes" should be protected.
Key consultees, including Warwick District Council officers and Warwickshire County Council departments, raised no objections, with conditions suggested on tree protection, drainage, noise, and environmental measures.
Leamington Spa Town Council welcomed the scheme, encouraging the use of air source heat pumps and solar panels. Local ward councillors also expressed their support.
Public feedback was limited but focused on biodiversity.
Suggestions included the addition of bird nesting bricks and the incorporation of 'hedgehog highways' to ensure wildlife movement is maintained.
In terms of parking, the application states that access to the site will remain unchanged via Ranelagh Terrace.
A total of 43 unallocated parking spaces are proposed, with 34 at the front and 9 in the southwest corner, equating to roughly one space per unit, plus seven visitor spaces.
There will also be four electric vehicle charging bays to "support sustainable transport."
A public consultation was held on 25 October 2023 at the Life Community Church, next to the site.
Flyers were hand-delivered to nearby residents, and signage was clearly displayed to promote the event, and questions were mainly about trees, access, height, and parking.
"Overall, those attending recognised the improvement through the redevelopment and the positive social outcomes within the community."
In the delegated report the Council concluded: "The proposal would provide replacement affordable housing in a sustainable location.
"The existing affordable housing is of poor quality and the development would provide a much higher standard of living accommodation that is also more energy efficient.
"The design of the proposal is also considered to be an enhancement on the existing development. These are significant benefits of the proposal.
"For the reasons set out in this assessment, the proposal would not result in any significant harm to heritage assets, highway safety, residential amenity, ecology, trees, flood risk or any other planning matters.
"There are not adverse impacts that would significantly and demonstrably the benefits of the development when assessed against the policies in the NPPF taken as a whole.
"It therefore follows that planning permission should be granted."
View the full planning application here.
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