Amended plans to turn a former Poundland into a pub have been seen as a major improvement by members of Kenilworth Town Council.

KTC's planning committee had objected to a previous application from Wetherspoon, with councillors raising concerns about the impact the proposed beer garden would have on neighbours.

Having withdrawn the original application in September, Wetherspoon submitted a fresh scheme this week having made changes to the design of the outdoor seating area and access for deliveries.

And town councillors, who said they generally supported the idea of the pub giant opening a branch in the town, found the fresh scheme more acceptable and chose not to object on the second time around.

Speaking at Thursday's KTC planning committee meeting Cllr Andrew Milton said it was refreshing to see the new application appeared to have responded to councillors' concerns.

"Obviously we objected last time after quite a long discussion and the key issue was the beer garden," he said.

"They then withdrew the application and have come back with an application which I think at least tries to deal with the objections we have raised.

"That is a good thing and a good use of our time."

Wetherspoon will open its pub in the former Poundland store at The Square (image by James Smith)

Councillors did ask that a condition be made stipulating that the beer garden would only be used until 9pm and said that a traffic survey should be completed for deliveries vehicles going to the venue.

Cllr Kate Dickson also suggested that Wetherspoon be asked for funding to pay for lighting along the alleyways between Square West Car Park and the front of the pub on Warwick Road.

She added: "I did read some comments for concerns on the alleyway and safety for pedestrians. I personally have had comments made to me by colleagues visiting Kenilworth who have never been here before but have parked in this car park and had to negotiate the alleyways to get onto what would be the front of the pub.

"They are not that pleasant and I wonder whether we could ask for a contribution towards lighting in the alleyways."

The pub giant announced in July that it would be investing £2million in the unit at The Square to turn the former Poundland shop into a pub.

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

The pub giant has also applied for a premises license for the venue.