Town councillors have objected to a scheme that would see a Leamington nightclub flattened to make way for more student accommodation.

Ni Ann Ltd has submitted an application to demolish Smack - which remains open for business - and replace it with a five-storey building with "purpose-built" apartments.

The developer claims replacing the Tavistock Street club with 48 bedrooms would be better for the area.

But members of Leamington Spa Town Council have submitted a holding objection.

"Holding objection subject to no objection from Conservation and Environmental Health and information regarding a traffic management plan during move-in and move-out periods," the council's response said.

Locals have also written against the plans with one resident saying: "We do not need any more student accommodation in Leamington Spa.

"The town needs more retirement/low cost housing for residents who contribute to the town."

Another raised a number of issues: "The loss of public entertainment venue for young people in Leamington Spa which is still currently operating.

"The loss of a listed building. Student housing that likely will not be affordable to the average non-international university student."

Designs for the proposed block of flats (image via planning application)

Plans show the accommodation would replace the 600-capacity club with ten apartments which will range in size from three bedrooms to six.

All 48 bedrooms will be ensuite.

"The design of the building has been influenced by the character of the existing building to provide a memory of the building to be demolished alongside historical recording," the application said. 

"The resulting design is a high quality masonry building that will conserve and enhance the character of Tavistock Street, which has its unique character in the conservation area by virtue of being dominated by a large multi-storey car park and enclosed pedestrian bridge over the road."

The application also claims the nightclub's building is "at the end of its life" and cites a number of structural and cosmetic issues.

It also states the building is a former coach house built in the 19th century, before being turned into a nightclub in the 1990's when it was "substantially altered". 

"The proposal also looks forward," the application added. 

"How can Tavistock be regenerated into an active street once more. This proposal, coupled with future proposals for the Covent Garden multistorey site, could dramatically improve the character of Tavistock Street and tie it back into the wider Conservation Area. 

"The proposal, whilst losing a building with age, does, when viewed alongside other benefits in the removal of a potential 'bad neighbour' positively enhances the character of the conservation area along Tavistock Street."

The architect involved in this application - BPN Architects - was also involved in the application to demolish Rio's nightclub on Bedford Street to make way for student flats.

Nub News has approached Smack for comment. 

See the full application here.