Plans for a Kenilworth pub to build a barbecue shed in its beer garden look set to be refused, despite the support of local residents.

The application for the Royal Oak will be discussed by councillors this week, but a report from Warwick District Council's (WDC) planning department has recommended the scheme is rejected.

Planners said while the scheme for the New Street inn would "likely result in economic benefits" it would also have a negative impact on the surrounding residential properties.

"As the property is bounded by residential dwellings on all sides, an alternate outdoor location is unlikely to be viable, whilst the inclusion of a flue of an acceptable height to overcome these concerns would also not be practical considering the height of flue required and resulting impact on the appearance of the site," the report said.

It added: "On balance, it is considered that the economic benefits to the operator of the pub and benefits to the patrons do not outweigh the harm to the living conditions of neighbouring residents.

"It is therefore recommended that the planning application is refused."

Kenilworth Town Council, environmental health and 10 members of the public also objected to the scheme.

But 39 locals sent letters of support to the council - which is why WDC's planning committee will consider the application on Tuesday (July 18).

Plans from the grade II listed pub state the timber-clad shed - which would house two barbecue pits - would not impact the heritage of the building.

The planning application says the "benefits the proposal creates must be considered as positive to a small business".

"We feel this proposal to the public house will be a welcome addition with no harmful impact of the surrounding neighbours," the application added.

"The proposal will not create any additional noise nuisance being situated in the already existing beer garden area.

"There is also no impact on the environmental aspect due to its economical and efficient design."

See the full application here.

(Image by Ian Rob via geograph.org.uk)