Multiple objections have been lodged to plans to turn a boat hire business along the Grand Union Canal into a block of flats.

Sunkari Ltd submitted an application to partly demolish the Nelson Lane building currently home to Kate Boats, to make way for five apartments.

If approved, the scheme would see a new two-storey extension built, as well as significant internal alterations.

The plans have been slightly modified since they were first submitted last May, but Warwick Town Council has maintained its objection to the scheme.

The council has raised a number of concerns including the impact on the conservation area and lack of amenity space for future residents.

The objection added: "It appears that the site has not been proven to be unviable for employment uses via the open market for a period of time as set out in this policy.

"If the site could be used for canal-related businesses then this should be explored further before a change of use is considered."

The building was a brewery at the start of the 20th century (image via planning application)

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Currently used as a boat hire business, the building is thought to have been a brewery at the start of the 20th century.

On the other side of the canal Crest Nicholson is well underway building 121 homes as part of its Montague Point estate.

Sunkari said converting the industrial building to residential should be allowed due to the changing character of the area.

"This change of character from industrial to residential will be further reinforced by the development of the large residential site on the north side of the canal, which will include two and three-storey buildings set behind metal railings directly on the canal frontage opposite the Kate Boats application site, clearly effecting a significant change to the character of the canal at this point," the application said.

"It is notable that the approved canal-side elevations incorporate design features from the Kate Boats building, having shouldered gables to the canal with circular apex features and large window openings."

However, locals have said the development would be a major loss for the area.

An artist's impression of the proposed new street scene (image via planning application)

One objection, from Michael Rayman, said: "I have been on the canal network now for the last 40 years and have seen the loss of services and canal heritage too much over previous years. 

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"I have cruised the Warwickshire ring many times before and have always struggled to find services in the proposed area. 

"I do not agree that the land should be used for development of houses, and the old brewery constructed in the 1900s be swallowed up by housing which has been proposed. 

"In my opinion the land should be retained as a boatyard and moorings providing facilities to the boating community."

Tina Elford wrote: "Keep the facilities open and they will provide employment, income and services for many, many years to come.

"Replace them with dwellings and they will provide a quick profit for someone, then serve no further advantage for the area ever again.

"What exactly would new dwellings bring to the area, except a huge profit for the developer, more strain on the utilities, roads etc.

"And how 'affordable' would these properties be? More than likely only obtainable by people from outside the area, therefore not even providing anything of any use to current residents or their families who have been in the area for generations."

See the full application here.

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