CONTROVERSIAL plans for a farm shop in the shadow of Kenilworth Castle look set to be refused.
An application has been made to replace a former stable and paddock in Castle Road with a shop and cafe, and also agriculture land including a poly tunnel, which has already been put up at the site.
The applicant wants to replace a building known as Castle Pavilion, a stable now in a dilapidated condition, and create the farm shop. They hope to grow flowers in the poly tunnel, and sell them along with other produce produced on site, in the farm shop.
The proposal also includes tarmacking the existing track leading to Castle Road and making it two way, space to park 13 cars, together with a footpath through the wildflower meadow.
Kenilworth Town Council has objected to the plans, raising concerns about access to the site and impact on the Green Belt and neighbouring castle.
English Heritage, which cares for the castle, has also raised access concerns relating to the safety of visitors, while Historic England argue the application has no heritage benefit.
Warwick District Council received 91 objections from residents, from access concerns to the location of bee hives becoming a nuisance for neighbours.
But the application has also received nearly 150 supporting comments, arguing it would attract more visitors to the town and would also provide jobs.
The district council planning committee has been recommended to refuse the application when it meets on Tuesday (April 23).
