Warwick District Council's former HQ can now be demolished after prior approval was given.

Homes England put forward an application to knock down Riverside House at the start of May, as it plans to turn the site into 74 new homes.

The houses are expected to come as a separate planning application, as will plans for a new public space at Elizabeth Park.

And now a prior approval application has been signed off by council planners, meaning the building can be knocked down.

"Homes England completed the conditional acquisition of Riverside House from WDC in November 2023 to help facilitate the council's relocation plans and the redevelopment of Elizabeth Park," the application said.

"Riverside House benefits from an existing allocation for housing in the Local Plan and was previously the subject of planning permission for comprehensive residential redevelopment."

WDC's move from its former HQ has been criticised by local MP Matt Western, but the council says the move will save taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds every year.

Homes England has already held two public consultations on the proposed redevelopment

The project could also see Edmonscote Athletics track relocated as the local authority moves its services out of the building.

The council officially left the building in April.

See the full application here.