Plans to turn a boat hire business along the Grand Union Canal into a block of flats have been submitted to Warwick District Council.

Sunkari Ltd has revealed plans to partly demolish Kate Boats' premises on Nelson Lane, and turn the building into five apartments.

If approved, the scheme would see a new two-storey extension built, as well as significant internal alterations.

Currently used as a boat hire business, the building is thought to have been a brewery at the start of the 20th century.

On the other side of the canal Crest Nicholson is well underway building 121 homes as part of its Montague Point estate.

And Sunkari said converting the industrial building to residential should be allowed due to the changing character of the area.

"This change of character from industrial to residential will be further reinforced by the development of the large residential site on the north side of the canal, which will include two and three-storey buildings set behind metal railings directly on the canal frontage opposite the Kate Boats application site, clearly effecting a significant change to the character of the canal at this point," the application said.

"It is notable that the approved canal-side elevations incorporate design features from the Kate Boats building, having shouldered gables to the canal with circular apex features and large window openings."

The building was a brewery at the start of the 20th century (image via planning application)

However, locals have already objected to the application, saying it would be a major loss for the area.

One objection, from Michael Rayman, said: "I have been on the canal network now for the last 40 years and have seen the loss of services and canal heritage too much over previous years. 

"I have cruised the Warwickshire ring many times before and have always struggled to find services in the proposed area. 

"I do not agree that the land should be used for development of houses, and the old brewery constructed in the 1900s be swallowed up by housing which has been proposed. 

"In my opinion the land should be retained as a boatyard and moorings providing facilities to the boating community."

See the full application here.