A former Poundland shop in the centre of Kenilworth can now be turned into a Wetherspoon pub after plans were given unanimous approval by councillors.

Warwick District Council's planning committee tonight (March 28) voted through a change of use application for the vacant shop at The Square.

The chain announced £2 million plans to open a pub in the town centre late July.

A premises licence had already been approved by the council and following a very short discussion at today's committee meeting, councillors gave their backing to the scheme.

Cllr Richard Dickson said a lot of work had gone into the project and to address concerns from locals and Kenilworth Town Council, who had objected to the original application.

He did however question whether deliveries to the rear of the venue would negatively impact Square West car park behind.

"Yes it is true that when it was Poundland it was serviced from the rear. But I am not entirely convinced that whenever the brewery or whoever comes to deliver, they just won't block up that part of the car park," he said.

He added: "That's my only concern. I think all the questions about noise and the residents have been addressed. 

"The only other thing is the requirement that if people want to smoke, they smoke not on the front of the property, blocking the pavement, but at the rear."

Recommending the scheme be given the go-ahead, the council's report said: "The development is located within Kenilworth town centre where restaurant and drinking establishment uses are considered acceptable in principle.

"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."

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

A name is yet to be announced for the venue.

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