Council planners have given the green light to build 12 electric vehicle charging points at a Warwick hotel, which is currently closed to house asylum seekers.

Warwick District Council has granted planning permission for the facility at the Delta Hotel on Stratford Road.

Applicant Poise Group said the chargers would be useful for both hotel guests as well as drivers coming off the nearby M40.

Plans submitted to Warwick District Council show the EV chargers would replace a patch of grass and five existing spaces in the car park.

"The charging units are of a smart design, being made of stainless steel, with car presence detection ability, making the cabinet easy to use,” the application explained. 

“As a result, the charging units will not have a negative visual impact upon the existing environment.”

London-based Poise Group said the chargers would be in keeping with the hotel and would be screened by the existing trees and landscaping.

“Overall, it is considered that the use of the land to provide electric charging spaces and related infrastructure would introduce a facility that would be complementary to the existing hotel use and would provide charging facilities to the commercial areas close to the site and those using the motorway network,” the application added.

“It is considered that the proposal would not have a prejudicial impact on the amenity of the area and would assist in enhancing access to green and low carbon technologies and encourage the use of electric vehicles for those visiting the hotel and surrounding facilities.”

The application was submitted to the council just days before the Delta Hotel announced it would be closing for around three months to house 300 asylum seekers.

Approving the application, a council report said: "The proposal is considered to have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area.

"The proposal is also considered to create no additional harm to the amenity of neighbouring uses.

"There would be no detriment to highway safety, having regard to the safety of both vehicles and pedestrians.

"The proposals are in accordance with the aforementioned policies, and it is therefore recommended for approval."

See the full application here.