Councillors have granted planning permission to demolish a second hand car shop in Warwick to make way for five new flats.

Members at Warwick District Council's planning committee unanimously voted through the application last night (September 9), meaning the building on the corner of Cross Street and Priory Road can now be flattened.

Corstorphine and Wright has been given the green light to built a two and three-storey block of apartments in its place.

A report from council officers recommended the scheme be approved.

"The principle of development is considered acceptable having regard to both the 'loss' of the existing use operating from the site, as well as the provision of new residential development in this highly sustainable town centre location within the urban area of Warwick," the report said.

"Insofar as access, layout and scale is concerned, the development is considered by officers to be acceptable having regard to the visual amenities of the area and wider street scene. 

"The proposed height and scale of the development would be similar to surrounding patterns of development and in turn, the development would not be considered detrimental to the character and appearance of the Warwick conservation area."

The space is currently used to sell second hand cars (image by Nub News)

There were 15 objections from locals and Warwick Town Council, raising concerns around the lack of parking, the location and impact on neighbouring properties.

Speaking at the meeting, town councillor Cora-Laine Moynihna said: "Our concerns are carefully focused on three key issues.

"These are insufficient cycle parking, inadequate bin storage and the absence of a clear net zero carbon energy strategy."

Despite this, councillors sided with officers and voted to approve the application.

Speaking at Tuesday's meeting, Cllr Claire Wightman said: "I think it is unfortunate that there is no parking provision but the size and format of the proposed doesn't' enable that.

"But I also note the very close proximity of the site to Warwick Train Station, to Warwick bus station and various cycle routes, one of which will hopefully be completed in due course."

A 'reserved matters' application for the development will now be needed to be brought forward before development begins.

See the full council report here.

There were multiple objections to the application (images via Nub News)