A planning application to build five houses in part of a pub garden has been described as “crass” and gross overdevelopment by members of the Warwick Society.
The society’s chairman James Mackay also describes a proposed new access road to the new properties behind the Millwright Arms as little short of disgraceful.
The pub in Coten End is owned by Punch Taverns and the building dates back to 1500.
Punch wants to build four two-storey and one three-storey house on the garden and part of disused allotments.
But a row broke out after only three householders in Broad Street were officially made aware of the scheme, and planners have agreed to notify more nearby residents and extend the date for objections until June 8.
Mr Mackay said: “It appears to be a crass move by Punch Taverns to try to squeeze as many houses as possible onto this site which is part of the conservation area.
“Not only would they be far too close to neighbouring properties in Broad Street but the arrangements they suggest for pedestrians being able to get out of the way of cars turning into the pub car park are disgraceful.”
As a nearby planning application for nine houses at the rear of nearby Cherry Street has already been approved, Mr Mackay is appealing for the two developers to get together and come up with more suitable plan.
Locksmith Ian Williams, who has lived in Broad Street for the past 44 years, has already lodged an objection.
He said: “These proposed mews houses will come within one metre of the boundary of our properties, destroy half the pub garden and seriously affect trade in the pub which would then itself be at risk of closing and more properties being built.”
Heather Robinson, who also lives in Broad Street, said: “Apart from the fact that this is complete overdevelopment which comes within a metre of my fence and destroy any privacy, the access road they are proposing is hugely dangerous.”
Another neighbour, John Garland, said: “These proposed houses will dominate the scene in this conservation area. The Millwright Arms is one of the oldest pubs in Warwick.”
Punch Taverns had no comment to make as the Courier went to press.
Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 2:14 pm