Permission refused for Clarendon Arcade plan

Members of Warwick District Council’s planning committee voted by a majority of six to four to reject the plan for the 21,500sqm shopping centre which would be built on the site of the Chandos Street car park.

The size of the development and its effect on residents, particularly those in Clarendon Avenue over which the arcade would “loom”, were the main reasons for the decision with Cllr Elizabeth Higgins (Con, Warwick West) describing the proposed building as a “red brick monstrosity”.

Objectors and councillors also raised concerns about the need for between 35 and 40 extra shops in the town centre, considering the recession and the growth of online shopping, the living conditions for occupants in nine new townhouses which are part of the plan, the need for 512 parking spaces when the use of public transport should be encouraged and also the project taking business away from the south of the town.

Planning officers had recommended approval of the plans, citing Government announcements in favour of sustainable development and promoting economic growth.

David Ward, planning director for developer Wilson Bowden, told the committee that the proposal was an opportunity for Leamington’s town centre to thrive while others declined and this suggestion was supported by Cllr Alan Rhead (Con, Budbrooke) who said the plans could be vital to the survival of the shopping area.

For more on this decision see Friday’s Courier.