A fresh bid to turn an “unattractive” village hall into offices has been submitted to Warwick District Council.

The local authority refused permission to repurpose Sherbourne Village Hall in September 2023, saying the scheme would come at the detriment of the local community.

Council planners criticised the amount of parking space and said the applicant - Sherbourne Park Estate - had not shown the village hall was no longer used.

In its latest application, the estate said the hall has been advertised for over a year but “no enquiries or bookings have been received” and was last used to broadcast Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

“The premises being unoccupied and not maintained is unattractive to the local street scene,” the application said. 

“No external material changes are required to the hall as part of this change of use application. 

“We therefore conclude that the impact on the conservation area will be neutral. 

“The detached garage to be removed offers no enhancement or benefit to the conservation area.”

Having said it was “confused” about previous comments on parking, Sherbourne said the removal of the garage will provide four ample spaces for the site.

Plans show the former school building would provide one large open office as well as two bathrooms and a small kitchen space.

“The premises are currently unoccupied and have been for some time,” the application continued. 

“The proposed change of use will allow the building to be lawfully used by the applicant. 

“No alterations are required to the existing building and its current appearance in the street scene and conservation area. 

“The proposed development will ensure the building is occupied and maintained for the future. 

“It will provide high quality office accommodation. 

“We therefore conclude the impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area will be a neutral one and the application should be supported.”

See the full application here.