Commercial buildings in Leamington will be demolished to make way for apartment blocks

The final design of the Court Street development will be decided at a later stage but it is expected that one of the new four-storey buildings will have a stepped appearance so as not to overlook houses on a neighbouring road.

Members of Warwick District Council’s planning meeting on Tuesday gave the scheme their unanimous support in spite of opposition from nine members of the public and from Royal Leamington Spa Town Council.

Among the concerns raised was the scale, massing and height of the development and the impact it would have on those living in Tower Street and also the impact the new properties would have on parking in the area.

The plans put forward by Chalice Build Ltd will see Milverton House and Drummond House on Court Street Industrial Estate - which is part of Leamington’s Creative Quarter - knocked down.

A report from planning officer Dan Charles explained: “Overall, officers are satisfied that the scheme presents an ideal opportunity to provide a contemporary residential development at an appropriate scale within the allocation that, subject to negotiations on design at reserved matter state, would enhance the character and appearance of the area to create an area that represents the Creative Quarter in design terms.”

He also addressed issues relating to the impact one of the buildings could have on existing properties.

Mr Charles added: “The site of Milverton House lies in close proximity to the rear of properties fronting onto Tower Street to the west of the site. Officers raised concern with the

applicants regarding the potential for overbearing and loss of light.

“In providing revised details, the indicative drawings show a staggered design that diminishes in scale to the rear, ensuring that the massing of the building is greatly reduced where adjacent to the boundary.”

In discussing the application, a number of councillors raised the issue of parking but there was no objection from the highways authority and officers highlighted that the apartments would be close to Leamington town centre. In addition, Warwickshire County Council requested a section 106 contribution of £20,000 to improve pedestrian/cycling links.