Landmark agreement makes way for new schools and country park

A big step towards shaping the future of our district was made last week with the signing of a Section 106 legal agreement associated with the issuing of outline planning permission for the development of a 30-hectare site at Oakley Grove, close to Bishop’s Tachbrook and Whitnash. 

The Section 106 agreement which was finalised on 1 June, allows the outline planning permission to be issued for Oakley Grove to provide a new secondary school with a sixth form and a primary school, as well as the extension of the planned 56-hectare Tach Brook Country Park and 150 new homes. The school sports facilities will be dual use giving the local community full indoor and outdoor access out of school hours.  The scheme had been approved unanimously by Warwick District Council’s Planning Committee in November 2019.

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Development Councillor John Cooke said;

“This scheme is the cornerstone of our ambitious plans to kick-start our local economy and offer our growing local population the facilities, infrastructure and access to open spaces needed for our district to continue to thrive and bring in new jobs, investment and opportunities, whilst encouraging active lifestyles and sustainable living.”  

Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education and Learning Councillor Colin Hayfield said:

"This exciting development will provide the additional school places needed as the local population grows. It's an excellent opportunity to integrate new education provision with the housing development in the area and the proposed country park, which will provide safe walking and cycle routes to the schools and shared sports facilities for use by the wider community.  Once completed, the project will support the growth of the local economy, as well as give a boost to sports, leisure and sustainable living choices for the local community."

Des Wynne, Managing Director of AC Lloyd Strategic Land, said:

“Creating and growing communities has been the main ethos of our business for over 70 years and we have liaised closely with Warwick District Council and the Education Authority at Warwickshire County Council to provide a scheme which is much needed for many sections of the community.

“Many families that have purchased homes at Oakley Grove and further afield are keen to see the development of a primary school and secondary school so that they can walk there as well as enjoy the substantial benefits of a Country Park on their doorstep.”