Local residents have told the council a local developer should be forced to replace the shelving it ripped down without permission from a grade II listed building in the centre of Warwick.

Cobalt Developments has submitted a retrospective application to Warwick District Council asking for permission to remove a series of historic shelves from a former ironmongers - having already done so.

The 19th century unit has been vacant since September 2023 when Brogan's Irish Bar closed.

Since then the premises has been on the market but a new tenant has not been found, with Cobalt removing all the bar equipment in April this year.

In its application, Cobalt claims mould and damp was found behind the shelves meaning they had to be removed.

"This was sadly too far advanced to do any restoration work and needed to be dealt with in order to fulfil the legal obligation for landlords to fix mould if caused to avoid any potential health and safety risks," the application said.

Photographs showing the historic shelves before they were removed (image via planning application)

It added: "The work that was carried out was time sensitive and necessary to maintain the integrity of the building and ensure no further or irreparable damage was caused to this building. 

"Considering its grade II listing and historical significance any further works will still be done with the building's best interest in mind and remain within the appropriate guidelines to ensure the heritage asset has plenty of life left in it for many years to come."

However, the application - and the works being carried out without permission - has caused outrage among residents, with 40 objections having already been submitted.

A photograph showing inside the building after the works (image via planning application)

Diane Shoreman wrote: "I wish to object to the vandalism which has taken place in the old Wylies shop. 

"They didn't need to remove all the fittings and in my opinion should be fined and refused any part in this building in the future. 

"The interior was a beautiful example of old English hardware store and should have been preserved for future generations"

John Martin added: "This shop was one of the most beautifully preserved in the county with incredible array of shelves and period furniture. 

"That it has been ripped out and dumped in a skip is an absolute travesty and the owners should be forced to replace it. 

"The previous occupants hand maintained the shelving and counter without issue."

While Jenny Mollon simply said: "This is appalling damage to a listed building!"

See the full application here.