Town councillors have raised concerns about 'confusing' plans to renovate a Grade II listed Kenilworth pub.

The Queen & Castle has applied to Warwick District Council for permission for full interior and exterior renovations.

As well as a new bar area, and new flooring and fireplaces inside, the proposals include extending the outdoor seating area, painting the building and new lighting in the car park.

But Kenilworth Town Council's planning committee said there was not enough information about the proposals.

"I couldn't really follow this even though I know it really well having lived next door but two and now living in the same area. I don't know what to say about this because I don't think I have the details," said Cllr Alix Dearing.

"You see it as you sweep round the corner, it is the big first thing that you see.

"It has been coloured different colours over the past 20 years, including some pretty odd colours, and then they have gone back. I just think the whole thing, not just the lighting, but the outdoors we still haven't got a good idea."

Cllr Alan Chalmers, who said it was a "confusing application", agreed: "There was concern by the neighbours about the lighting but I couldn't see details of how bright the lights would be."

The plans include:

• Bushes in the garden removed and replaced with fencing.
• Canopy for the garden as well as umbrellas and heating.
• New hard standing and benches for the garden area.
• Floodlighting in car park to be replaced by LED lighting.
• New doors.
• 'Wine-wall' to be installed.
• New fireplaces.
• External painting.
• New bar areas.
• Full interior decoration.

The application, submitted by Mitchells and Butlers, said the renovations would not detract from the Castle Road venue nor the castle opposite.

"The proposed development will seek to enhance the vitality of the pub as a community asset and refresh the interior and exterior of the building," the planning statement said.

"The proposed external and internal alterations will not compromise the aesthetic or historic interest of the public house and will maintain the operation and trade through the provision of a high-quality scheme that is sensitive to its surrounding context.

"The design is reflective of the high-quality nature of the Mitchells and Butlers approach to their estate, and the proposals will form an attractive, bespoke and inviting environment.

"The scheme will therefore reflect the existing high-quality design of the site, ensuring there is a sympathetic approach to both preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the host building and the surrounding street scene of Kenilworth Conservation Area."

But town councillors said more information was needed before they could make a decision.

"There is not really any detail about the external decoration or the paint finishes and that is quite critical for that building. What colour they chose could completely change the appearance of that building," added Cllr John Dearing.

Cllr Michael Coker added: "The outside is terribly important because it is a major feature of the town right next to our major feature. It is very evident as part of that lovely Castle Green.

"We have had difficulty with other pubs in the town where the architects don't seem to have an idea of what an ancient pub should be like."