The developer behind controversial plans to build a five-storey block of flats on Talisman Square has described councillors' decision to refuse permission as "disappointing".

Landowner Cobalt Estates put forward the application to build 43 flats and two shops last year, as the "third and final" step in the area's redevelopment.

A previous scheme to build student accommodation and retail units had already been granted permission but the build did not go ahead "due to the changing commercial landscape".

Planners at Warwick District Council (WDC) had recommended that the fresh application be approved, but councillors at this week's planning meeting refused to grant permission.

Following the decision, Wareing & Company's Bill Wareing, spokesman for Cobalt Estates said: "It is incredibly disappointing that, after 18 months of consultation with Warwick District Council and responding to all of its requirements at considerable cost, that the planning committee has decided to refuse consent against the advice of officers.

"A very similar larger scheme had been granted planning permission in 2017.

"During Cobalt Estate's ownership, we have managed to attract such retailers as Waitrose, Robert Dyas and WHSmith, amongst others, to Kenilworth town centre and have also assisted all of the businesses at Talisman Shopping Centre through the Covid crisis.

"I am really disappointed that a scheme that was to bring £15 million of private investment to Kenilworth town centre, creating much needed residential accommodation for single and young people, as well as new business units, has been turned down in this manner in these difficult economic times.

"It feels like an opportunity missed which could have a long-lasting effect on the vitality of Kenilworth town centre, particularly having just lost the Wilko's store.

"Cobalt Estates will now review their plans, look at the reasons for refusal and commence further discussions with Warwick District Council."

However, the decision to refuse planning permission has been welcomed by many locals, as well as Kenilworth Town Council which objected to the application.

Hundreds of locals also wrote against the scheme which was labelled as "dark and oppressive".

The community group Friends of Talisman Square has also worked to generate support against the proposals and has also applied to have the land listed as an asset of community value.

Following Wednesday's decision, a group spokesperson said to Nub News: "We are delighted that Warwick District planning committee refused to grant planning permission for the Talisman Square development at tonight's planning meeting.

"We are thankful to the councillors for standing up for the residents of Kenilworth who had objected in such large numbers to the proposed five-storey development and the loss of the planting in the square and wider open space."