Owners of a bungalow which neighbours say is so ugly it is "sad" have lodged an appeal after planners threw out plans to demolish the home.

Councillors rejected plans to replace the bungalow on Fieldgate Lane with a new five-bedroom house because of its impact on a nearby listed building.

But with the scheme rejected the owners have lodged an appeal to get the decision overturned.

As part of the appeal a Heritage Impact Statement has been lodged by historic building consultant Richard K Morriss & Associates.

The report says: "It is considered that the proposals for the replacement of 55 Fieldgate will be an enhancement of the streetscape and of the conservation area.

"Whilst there will be a degree of visual change, by dint of the better design, scale, massing and material palette this is considered to be a distinct benefit to the streetscape.

"The proposals will result in no harm – substantial or less than substantial - to the character, setting or significance of any adjacent heritage assets."

While the owner's statement of case added: "The harm to heritage assets, alleged by the council in its decision notice, does not exist, as confirmed by the Heritage Impact Assessment provided by Richard K. Morriss.

"The proposals constitute sustainable development that accords with the development plan and the Inspector is respectfully requested to allow the appeal and grant planning permission."

Why was it refused?

When WDC's planning committee discussed the proposals back in February members were split over the decision.

Members were told the works would negatively impact the local heritage area. But some councillors said it would bring the building back to life.

Cllr Terry Morris warned: "I would very strongly advise colleagues to proceed with caution with this one.

"The reason why this is before us is that five members of the public have put in their support and most of those are along the lines that the current dilapidated bungalow is pretty ugly.

"I think the prudent thing is to go with the officers' recommendation for refusal and I'm sure the applicant and officers would work together for a potential different design that would meet their approval."

A number of neighbours had written in favour of the plans.

"I work at the local nursery and my daughter attends the local school, I travel past the existing dilapidated house every day which is currently not in keeping with the area," one said.

"My daughter calls it the 'the sad house' when we pass it!

"The proposed house is similar to other properties on the road and therefore I think it should be given planning permission."

Kenilworth Town Council's planning committee discussed the plans last week and maintained its position that there was no reason to object.