Kenilworth's oldest pub has been handed a planner boost as designs for its refurbishment have been approved.

Everards brewery has been given listed building permission to renovate the Virgins & Castle on High Street, inside and out.

The scheme will see a long list of cosmetic works completed, including updating the fixed seating, retreating the timberwork, redecorating the wine store, refurbishing the staircase and bar area and refitting the accessible bathroom.

Signing off on the plans, a council report said: "It is considered that the proposed works are acceptable, being relatively minor in nature with a neutral impact overall.

"It is considered that the works will not cause disturbance or loss to historic fabric and that the materials to be used are appropriate for a listed building.

"The majority of the works are also considered to be remedial in nature.

"The works are considered to maintain the special historic and architectural character of the listed building."

Floors through the Virgins & Castle will also be given a touch up.

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A separate application for new signs on the front of the building has also been approved, although Everards is tweaking its designs for these.

"The proposed works will improve the customer experience by improving the appearance and functionality of the pub thereby supporting the viability of the business and sustaining and enhancing the significance of the public house putting it to viable uses consistent with its on-going conservation," the application to Warwick District Council said.

The application continued: "The proposal is for minor internal alterations to improve the appearance and functionality of the public house. 

"The proposals have been carefully designed and specified to respect the architectural and historic interest of the listed building and its setting."

Said to date back to 1563, the Virgins & Castle is thought to be Kenilworth's oldest pub.

The latest application continued: "The proposal is for minor internal works to the grade II listed public house. 

"The proposals have been carefully developed to ensure a high quality result which respects the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building whilst improving the functionality and appearance of [the] pub."

See the full application here.

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