In view of our comments above in respect of the need to increase the overall housing requirement and the robustness of the existing sources of supply, we consider that there is a need to identify additional sites for residential development.

We consider that land at the Woodside Management Centre (SHLAA Ref: K19) is suitable, available and achievable for residential development and could provide a valuable contribution towards meeting the full objectively assessed needs of the District over the plan period.

In coming to this view we are mindful that the land is located between draft housing allocation H06 (Thickthorn) and draft education allocation ED2 (Southcrest Farm), both of which are proposed to be released from the Green Belt for development. Should these draft allocations go forward to adoption, which we would support, the land at the Woodside Management Centre would effectively remain as a wedge of isolated Green Belt surrounded by built development and the A46. With this in mind, and conscious that the land already includes significant areas of built development and hardstanding, it is our view that the land would fail to meet any of the five stated purposes of including land within the Green Belt.

The site has been assessed by the Council in the 2014 update of the SHLAA which concludes that the site is potentially suitable. We can confirm that development of the site would not involve the loss of any high quality agricultural land and the site is readily available and could be delivered in the 0-5 year period. Having considered the potential constraints to development, it is our view that the extent of land available would allow significant landscape buffers to be retained and new planting introduced to provide an appropriate off-set from the nearby scheduled ancient monument and ancient woodland and to protect occupiers from any potential noise disturbance from the A46.

Initial feasibility work suggests that approximately 6.5 hectares of net developable land could be available which could accommodate between 150 - 200 dwellings together with associated open space, landscaping, access arrangements and sustainable drainage features. The development would be readily assimilated in to the existing residential development to the west and would provide key connectivity between draft allocations H06 to the south and ED2 to the north.

In terms of access to the site, there would appear to be two viable options. Firstly, it is possible to construct a new access to the site broadly in the location of the existing secondary access to the Management Centre, opposite the existing junction between Glasshouse Lane and Stansfield Grove. Alternatively, or as an additional point of access, there would appear to be potential to deliver an access point to the south in to the draft allocation H06. This could be delivered through an existing break in the woodland, without the need for significant tree felling. This link would also improve pedestrian and cycle links between the principal housing allocation for Kenilworth (H06) and the draft allocation for the new secondary school site (ED2), improving the sustainability of both sites.