Council planners have given the go-ahead for a former Warwick antique shop to be turned into a community hub.

Warwick District Council has given the green light for the former Vintage Antiques unit at Market Place to be repurposed.

The plans were put forward by St Mary's Church which said it wants to turn the building into a "vibrant centre," which will support multiple groups.

Signing off on a planning application, a council report said: "The use would retain elements of a commercial use with a cafe, retail space and office space, in any case the proposal is for a community hub and meeting place which is considered to constitute an appropriate town centre use.

"It is therefore considered that the change of use would not be detrimental to the vitality and viability of the town centre and the principle of the change of use is acceptable."

Plans show there will be an area for tea, coffee and cakes to be sold to visitors and a "dedicated shop area to the rear".

Two offices to the back of the unit will allow charities and organisations to have a space for confidential support.

An enclosed kitchen is also planned.

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"A 'Your Farmer' concession will provide locally sourced fruit and vegetables and ethical British High Welfare frozen meat items for sale to the public and at subsidised prices to those referred to our discount scheme by schools, statutory and voluntary organisations who have assessed need," the application said.

"The rest of our retail space will provide an opportunity for local, ethical retail start ups to have a place to sell their goods.

"Much like the previous Antiques Centre, this offers retailers bricks and mortar space without the cost of a shop and without having to be present to sell your products as we would do this for them."

Vintage Antiques closed earlier this year.

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