Town council objects to plans for new Wetherspoons

[dutchman]

A bid to create a terrace at the back of the building created a stumbling block to the plans, which councillors had originally welcomed



Plans for a new Wetherspoons in Kenilworth have hit a stumbling block after the town council objected to planning permission. The new pub was set to create 60 jobs once opened at the site of the former Poundland store in the town centre.

But Kenilworth Town Council has objected to certain elements of the proposal. Concerns have been raised about potential noise issues from a proposed rear terrace garden.

York-based planning agent nineteen47 applied on behalf of Wetherspoons to change the use of the property on The Square from a retail building to a public house/restaurant. It also wanted to create a terrace at the back of the building.

The town council initially welcomed the plans, due to the potential benefits it could bring. But the terrace at the back of the building proved to be a stumbling block and it has now objected to the application as a result.

The comments section on the application reads: "Members welcomed commercial redevelopment of this site, noting benefits to the local economy and tourism. However they objected to this proposal, based on the proposed provision of an external terrace to the rear.

"This terrace will have a detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring property, lots of which backs onto Square West car park and includes housing for vulnerable residents due to noise levels and visible presence. This objection was considered a material consideration, in contravention of relevant Planning Policy."

Further concerns were raised about the impact the terrace would have on deliveries: "In addition to this objection, Members commented that the proposed external terrace is on land currently used for deliveries. They were concerned as to how delivery vehicles would access the site without blocking the car park."