Housing developer has been given a planning boost as it looks to build 140 new homes in Radford Semele.

The plans, proposed by Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land, focus on developing the new homes on the outskirts of Leamington Spa, off Southam Road.

Before submitting a full planning application, the developer inquired whether an 'environmental impact assessment' was required to advance the plans.

WDC has said an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) is not needed.

The application, received on 1 July 2025, outlines the development of approximately 140 homes, inclusive of public open spaces, landscaping, drainage features, and related infrastructure, including pedestrian enhancements.

On 22 July, the council concluded: "The proposal has the potential for environmental impacts; however, the scale, nature and location of the proposed development together with any mitigation proposed, are such that it is considered that these are unlikely to be of a magnitude that would lead to significant environmental effects.

"Considering the findings set out above and having regard to the selection criteria in Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations, it is considered that the proposed development does not have the potential for significant effects on the environment within the meaning of the EIA Regulations 2017."

Therefore, "In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the development does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment."

The plans, proposed by Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land, focus on developing the new homes on the outskirts of Leamington Spa off Southam Road (image via Nub News)

An official planning application is expected to be submitted in early autumn 2025, featuring expansive green public open spaces to Warwick District Council. 

This will be succeeded by a statutory consultation, conducted in late autumn by Warwick District Council on the submitted outline plans, seeking feedback from statutory bodies such as Radford Semele Parish Council, the local NHS Integrated Care Board, education providers and highway authorities, as well as public opinion.

The current plans reveal an emerging vision for the new neighbourhood, comprising approximately 140 high-quality, energy-efficient homes in a variety of sizes and styles, with up to 40 percent designated as affordable housing, including shared ownership homes for first-time buyers. 

A significant portion of the site is to be reserved as extensive landscaped open space, featuring biodiversity areas, a range of outdoor recreational facilities including children's play areas, pedestrian connectivity improvements, and a community garden or orchard for food cultivation. 

The development aims to preserve existing field patterns, maintain existing trees and most hedgerows, bolstered by extensive new planting to substantially increase tree cover across the site. 

Additionally, potential investment to support local infrastructure will be guided by feedback from statutory consultees, including the local NHS, education teams, and others.

Previously, in 2017, Taylor Wimpey was denied planning permission for 115 homes off Southam Road, as Warwick District Council concluded the benefits were outweighed by potential significant landscape harm.

View the plans here.

An official planning application is expected to be submitted in early autumn 2025 (image via Nub News)