An application to complete "urgent" repair works to fix a "dangerous" chimney stack above a row of Warwick eateries has been withdrawn.

Hawkesford (Warwickshire) Limited had applied for permission to repair and remodel the chimney, roof, windows and brickwork at four connected properties along Old Square.

Plans show the works would have addressed a number of structural and cosmetic issues around the grade II listed building, with the properties then redecorated afterwards.

The building is home to La Mesa, The Apple Tree Tearooms, 7 Square and Bonito - none of which are to be impacted by the works.

But now the application has been withdrawn, following an objection from Warwickshire County Council's ecological services.

"I have consulted the Warwickshire Biological Records Centre which shows numerous bat records within 100m of the site," the objection said.

"The surrounding habitat also provides optimal habitat for roosting, foraging and commuting bats.

"I have viewed recent photographs via google imagery, noting several visible features which may be potential bat access points, considered the proposed works, and I have the following comments: Several bat species show a preference for roosting in domestic buildings.

"The proposed works significantly impact an existing roof and chimney through proposed repairs. Bats are mobile protected species and are often discovered in locations not previously recorded."

The chimney stack to the rear of number seven requires 'urgent attention' (image via planning application)

The objection says a full survey now needs to be carried out by a "suitably qualified ecologist" for the building to find out whether bats frequent it or not.

The application has since been withdrawn.

"This application applies to four listed buildings that are currently in a poor condition," the planning application said. 

"It is our client's aim to repair external areas and then redecorate so that they are in a good condition for the next generations."

It added: "These properties are now requiring repair to the chimneys, roof coverings, rainwater fittings, windows, brickwork and render coverings."

If approved, the scheme would see scaffolding erected on the road-side of the building to carry out the works.

In particular Hawkesford wants to look at the chimney to the rear of number seven which is described as "particularly dangerous" and requires "urgent attention".

"It is the intention to repair where possible and any replacements will be in matching materials to that of the existing," the plans explained. 

"The rear chimney is not used and it is the intention to reduce its height."

The application added: "The property is currently in poor order, the works to the external areas are to repair / replace to match existing and to remove a chimney to the rear which is in a dangerous condition and to partially rebuild."

See the full application here.