Multiple objections made to 'unbearable' new patio at Warwick hotel

By James Smith 21st Dec 2023

New owners took over at the Warwick Arms Hotel in June 2022 (image by James Smith)
New owners took over at the Warwick Arms Hotel in June 2022 (image by James Smith)

Neighbours have objected to "unbearable" plans to keep a recently refurbished patio area at a Victorian Warwick hotel.

A retrospective planning application has been submitted to Warwick District Council by the Warwick Arms Hotel for renovations to an already existing patio area.

The High Street business, which was taken over by father-and-daughter duo Guy and Daisy Middlebrook last year, has given a makeover to the rear courtyard which was in "extremely poor condition" before the works.

The new patio at the grade II listed building was laid earlier this year, but several locals from neighbouring properties have voiced their objections to the retrospective application.

"The noise from people enjoying the patio throughout the day and very late into the night has ruined my occupation of my quiet home," neighbour Phillipa Wilson wrote.

"The pollution from cigarette smoke comes directly into my home and I have no other quiet elevation to go to in order to avoid the antisocial noise. 

"I cannot avoid being disturbed by the music that comes from the hotel as people come in and out onto the patio regardless of whether or not the function room door is mainly kept closed."

The newly-refurbished patio area (image via planning application)

Meanwhile Avneet Jaspal added: "The noise generated by staff workers and guests from the courtyard has been, at points, unbearable. 

"The disruption can be heard into the early hours of the morning, with no regard for the local neighbours. 

"This is particularly the case during the summer months. 

"I'm concerned that if this application were granted, it would only exacerbate the problems we already experience."

But in its application to the council, the Warwick Arms Hotel said the works to what already was a patio area, were vital for the business.

"The area where the new patio has been laid is 60 per cent concrete slabs (many broken), 30 per cent stone cobbles (there were in a very poor state and the loose cobbles were used to repair the main courtyard)," it said.

The application added: "We purchased The Warwick Arms Hotel last year, it is an old hotel which had started to become very run down and in a poor state of repair. 

"We have invested heavily in refurbishing the hotel, the dated plumbing system, the communal areas, the bedrooms and also the external areas and fabric of the building."

The application said the patio was in very poor condition before the works (image via planning application)

When the new owners took over they spent more than £120,000 in the first year as part of a "long-term renovation programme" for the hotel's 40 bedrooms.

Money was also spent refurbishing the hotel's events suite, which can accommodate up to 120 people for weddings, conferences and other events such as comedy nights.

Warwick Town Council has also submitted a holding objection to the planning application, subject to comments from environmental health and conservation officers. 

"The town council notes the serious concerns expressed by the residents of 4 and 6 Back Lane and anticipates these being addressed appropriately so a workable solution is found for all parties," the objection said.

See the full application here.

Warwick Nub News has approached the Warwick Arms Hotel for comment.

     

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