Unpopular plans to build nine new homes along the Grand Union Canal have been refused by council planners who described the scheme as a "poor design".

Cape Homes Ltd last year revealed a scheme for a series of three-bedroom homes on currently undeveloped land at Cape Road.

The development would have seen two three-storey terraces built, alongside 27 car parking spaces.

Over 40 objections were submitted to the planning application, including one from Warwick Town Council and from neighbouring firm Maxi Group ltd which said the homes would have an impact on its business.

Cape Homes said the scheme would not have an adverse impact on Cape Road, saying the view of the maisonettes from the canal would be "absorbed" with planting around the site.

A drawing of the proposed houses (image via planning application)

But Warwick District Council has refused planning permission saying the development would harm the appearance of the canal conservation area, with "very limited" public benefits.

"The principle of residential development in this location is considered acceptable and the proposal would make a modest contribution towards the district's housing supply," a council report said.

"This weighs in favour of the application.

"Conversely, the proposed development does not provide a mixture of dwelling types, which the local plan seeks to secure.

"In addition to this, the proposal is considered to be of poor design and fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of the area.

"Indeed, the development would appear as an overly dominant form of development and would not respect its surrounding context, resulting in harm to the character and visual amenity of the area."

See the full application here.