A former factory in Warwick can now be demolished and turned into eight houses after plans were approved by Warwick District Council's planning committee.

Sunkari Ltd SSAS and First One Ltd had applied to knock down the former Progress Fabrications Ltd building on Nelson Lane, to make way for eight three-bed homes.

"The poor quality, limited scale of the site, lack of off road parking, and nearby residential uses are the main reasons why the site has not attracted alternative employment uses," the planning application said.

"If an alternative residential use is not allowed, the reality is therefore that the buildings will remain vacant going forward and their condition will deteriorate."

Plans show that two terraces each of four houses would be built, in place of the 1960s canalside industrial unit.

A project to build affordable housing is already underway next to the factory.

Recommending planning permission be granted, a WDC report said: "It is considered that the existing use of the site is not compatible with the surrounding development and that its resumed/ continued operation would result in harm to the amenity of neighbouring residential dwellings."

The report also said there would be no impact on local residents or on canal boats moored nearby.

The application said the houses would have less of an impact on local residents then the building being used for industry again.

"Even if a user could be found, the lawful use of the site for general industrial is uncontrolled and has the potential to generate noise and environmental effects on the amenity of adjacent residential properties, including properties under construction whose gardens abut the boundary of the site," the application added.

"The employment use of this site is not therefore compatible with the surrounding residential uses.

"Further, redevelopment will support the canalside regeneration, and the site's loss from employment will have no material impact on the local economy, commuting patterns, or employment land supply."

While councillors did raise concerns about local traffic and the amenity of residents, the plans were given the go ahead.

See the application here.