There was "no compelling evidence" of mould or damp at a grade II listed Warwick pub before the landlords ripped out all the interior to 'fix' the problem.

That is according to a report from Warwick District Council (WDC) as it refused a retrospective planning permission for the works at the Market Place unit.

Some 45 locals objected to the application, saying the shelves at the closed pub should be replaced by landlord Cobalt Developments.

The shelves in the 19th century building were removed by the company earlier last year as it looked for a new tenant following the closure of Brogan's Irish Bar.

In its application, Cobalt claimed mould and damp were found behind the shelves meaning they had to be removed.

But a report from WDC refusing the application said there was no evidence of this.

Photographs showing the historic shelves before they were removed (image via planning application)

"No compelling evidence has been provided of the existence of widespread damp or mould to such a level that immediate removal of the fixtures was necessary nor that their removal would result in complete lack of reuse or reinstatement," it said. 

"The surveyor's report was conducted six months following the removal of the shelves therefore the extensive and extreme damp and mould should have persisted or remained evident as no remedial works have been undertaken. 

"The shelves themselves were not the source of moisture so their removal should have had no impact beyond further revealing the issues. 

"There is no photographic evidence of the damage to the shelving from the damp and moisture either with the shelves in situ or once the shelves had been removed, with no rot or damage being apparent in the photographic schedule provided in the heritage statement."

Warwick Town Council also objected to the application and said the shelves should be replaced.

"The works completed on this property in terms of removal of shop fittings and shelving have not been carried out sympathetically, and negatively affect the character of this property as a building of special historic interest," the objection said. 

"The works do not constitute repairs and have resulted in the loss of important historic fabric from a listed building."

A photograph showing inside the building after the works (image via planning application)

It added: "If the historic fittings were retained in a salvageable state when removed, then the town council would want to see them replaced when appropriate. 

"If the fittings need repair before replacement, then this should be done."

An officer from WDC visited the site on December 5 2024 and said there was no excessive damp or moisture on the walls. 

They also said no use of "less invasive methods to manage moisture" such as a dehumidifier to sort the issue.

"Both the objections from Warwick Town Council and the conservation advisory forum further highlight the value of the shelving to both the building and the town, with the recommendation that the original shelving should be reinstated or replica units be installed," the report continued.

The unit was put on the market since early 2024 with Cobalt also removing all the bar equipment.

See the full application here.