Councillors will decide the future of a closed Warwick pub next week as an application to turn it into a house goes before the planning committee.

A host of residents, and Warwick Town Council, have objected to the latest application from Secret Properties Ltd to repurpose the Punch Bowl, but a council report has recommended planning permission be granted.

The latest in a series of applications for the site at The Butts, the scheme was meant to be discussed by Warwick District Council's planning committee in October but was pulled from the agenda at the last minute.

A council report said this was "because an issue has arisen concerning the noise attenuation proposals and their effect on the listed building and conservation area which need further consideration before determination by committee".

Now the application will be considered on Wednesday 12 March.

"The proposal will introduce benefits in the form of the creation of a new dwelling in a sustainable location," a council report due to be discussed next week said.

"When considering the scheme as a whole within the titled balance, officers consider that the proposal will represent a sustainable form of development and no adverse impacts will significantly or demonstrably outweigh the benefits associated with the proposal.

"The development is considered to represent a sustainable form of development and it is recommended that planning permission be granted."

Secret Properties has already seen a previous application to repurpose the building refused, and also failed to let out the venue.

The owner says converting the grade II listed pub to a house remains the only viable option - despite its pervious application being refused permission by the council.

If approved, the scheme would see some of the 20th century extensions removed, and some of the ground floor doors and windows reinstated.

As with the previous application, there would be internal alterations, with the kitchens removed.

Locals have rallied behind the former coaching inn, saying it should not be lost and that the site is not suitable to be turned into a house.

"Boarded up and fenced off it would appear the applicant has done their best to negatively impact the conservation area and create a narrative of an unloved and forgotten pub," one objector wrote.

"Ever since the previous tenant left during the Covid lockdown the owner has had their sights firmly set on change of use to residential.

"Presumably because it would see more financial reward if they were to sell it off after conversion."

Another said: "I object to the plans as submitted as I think it is totally irresponsible to have a vehicular access on The Butts side of the property almost opposite to the one used by properties on Northgate St.

"The width of The Butts at that point is very narrow and having vehicles turning into and out of the property will be dangerous as site lines down the road are restricted.

"It will also cause added congestion at the junction with vehicles travelling in both directions along The Butts."

See the full council report here.