Local residents have been quick to object to fresh plans to turn a closed Warwick pub into a house.

A fresh application to turn The Punch Bowl into a home was put forward to Warwick District Council earlier this month, but so far over 100 objections have been received.

Owner Secret Properties Ltd has already seen a previous application to repurpose the 18th century building refused, and also also failed to let out the venue.

The owner says converting the grade II listed pub to a house remains the only viable option - despite its pervious application being refused permission by the council.

Objectors Have Their Say

But locals have railed behind the former coaching inn, saying it should not be lost and that the site is not suitable to be turned into a house.

"Boarded up and fenced off it would appear the applicant has done their best to negatively impact the conservation area and create a narrative of an unloved and forgotten pub," one objector wrote.

"Ever since the previous tenant left during the Covid lockdown the owner has had their sights firmly set on change of use to residential.

"Presumably because it would see more financial reward if they were to sell it off after conversion."

Another said: "I object to the plans as submitted as I think it is totally irresponsible to have a vehicular access on The Butts side of the property almost opposite to the one used by properties on Northgate St.

"The width of The Butts at that point is very narrow and having vehicles turning into and out of the property will be dangerous as site lines down the road are restricted.

"It will also cause added congestion at the junction with vehicles travelling in both directions along The Butts."

Another added: "Save The Punch Bowl!

"Our local gem deserves to be a vibrant pub, not another faceless housing development.

"Say no to bland chain-owned gastro pubs - we want the lively atmosphere, live music, and camaraderie that The Punch Bowl brought to our community. Warwick doesn't need more housing; it needs places that create memories and connections.

"Don't let greedy developers erase our cherished pub for short-term gains."

Supporting Calls

There have also been a small number of supporting comments from locals, some saying it is time the building is brought back to life.

"I write in support of the planning application following a social media campaign encouraging objections," one resident said.

"The pub has been closed for a considerable time and has not been a busy and popular choice for several years. It is not a viable as a business, and the owners should be able to proceed with their plans."

Another wrote: "Notwithstanding the fact that when this public house was open there was a significant amount of trouble on the premises with its licence being threatened due to the number of issues.

"Notably, when the Warwick Police Station was open and directly opposite the premises.

"It was never the place to be seen in and was definitely not a tourist attracting establishment. The planned change of use should be supported and allowed by the council or it will fall into further disrepair."

'Only Option'

The developer has said the plans are the "only option" available to the building, having been "unable to find anyone willing to lease the premises".

The application said anybody interested in the building has been unable to secure the funds, or has realised the business would be "financially unviable".

"A revised application to convert the premises to a single dwelling remains the only option to bring the premises back into use," the application added.

If approved, the scheme would see some of the 20th century extensions removed, and some of the ground floor doors and windows reinstated.

As with the previous application, there would be internal alterations, with the kitchens removed.

Unlike the last plans, no acoustic wall will be included, with a 2.3 metre high "living wall" proposed for the garden instead.

One of the accesses to the car park will also be blocked.

"Buildings such as the Punch Bowl make a positive contribution to the streetscape as they give clues to the expansion of the town in the 18c therefore finding a sustainable use will maintain the character and legibility of the conservation area," the application said. 

"The physical changes proposed by this application will not have an adverse impact on the conservation area, instead it will add another chapter in the long history of the site and its wider context."

The Punch Bowl, which dates back to the 18th century, started life as a coaching inn, before becoming a hotel and then a pub.

Well over 100 objections were made to the previous planning application.

See the full plans here.