Kenilworth residents will soon find out if a new Wetherspoon pub will open in the town centre, with councillors set to vote on the planning application next week.

The chain announced £2 million plans to open a pub at the former Poundland shop at the Square last July, and a premises licence has already been approved by Warwick District Council.

Next Tuesday (March 28) district councillors will vote on the change of use application, which officers have recommended for approval.

"The development is located within Kenilworth Town Centre where restaurant and drinking establishment uses are considered acceptable in principle," the council's report said.

"The proposal has been assessed and is considered acceptable having regard to the impact on the character and amenity of the local area, the impact on the amenity of neighbours, highway safety, ecological matters and all other matters."

"It is not in the best interests of the district's town centres, (both economically and environmentally) for units to be vacant for long periods," it added.

"The proposed development would bring the unit back into use and support the economy of Kenilworth town centre."

Locals have been split on the scheme, with 11 objections being submitted as well as 22 supportive comments.

Kenilworth Town Council objected to the original application by Wetherspoon, with members raising concerns about the impact the proposed beer garden would have on neighbours.

The chain then withdrew the application and resubmitted slightly changed plans which town councillors said were more acceptable.

The district council report added: "It is noted that members of the public have differing views regarding the appropriateness of the proposed operator of the premises, J D Wetherspoons, and its impact on the economy of the town centre.

"However, this assessment relates to the proposed use, not the specific operator, as this could change at any future date.

"The proposed operator is therefore not a consideration which bears weight in this assessment."

Wetherspoon is expected to create 60 jobs in the town when the pub opens.

The application will be considered by Warwick District Council's planning committee on Tuesday, March 28.

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