Historic Warwick hotel set to be turned into homes - The Leamington Observer

Historic Warwick hotel set to be turned into homes

Leamington Editorial 19th Aug, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

PLANS are in the pipeline to turn an historic town centre Warwick hotel into homes.

The Lord Leycester Hotel is set to be redeveloped to create 11 flats, together with the building of ten houses at the rear of the Jury Street building – the history of which can be traced back to the 1500s.

A report to Warwick District Council Planning Committee this week stated the 40 room hotel had operated at a loss for the past five years and the current owners could not afford to pay for the extensive repairs needed to the brick fronted Grade II listed structure, which retains its medieval core.

The proposals include demolishing modern extensions at the back of the hotel, which opened in 1926, to build the ten new houses ranging in size from two to four bedrooms. The plans also include a new shop below the flats fronting Jury Street.




But the plans have been met with strong objections from Warwick Town Council and neighbouring residents.

Lack of car parking is a particular concern.


While the development includes 21 spaces, the district council’s standard policy for the size of the development demands a further 16.

Fears of an increase in on street parking in the area are set to be tackled by not allowing new residents of the flats and houses to apply for Residents’ Parking Permits.

Concerns have also been raised at the possible impact on the views of St Mary’s Church – but council officers report the new houses would look far better than the current ‘unsightly’ extensions.

Neighbours have also raised concerns over everything from the design of the new houses to the impact on the town’s economy from the loss of the hotel.

The planning committee granted planning permission on Tuesday.

 

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