Plans to demolish a popular Leamington nightclub to make way for a block of student accommodation have been put forward to Warwick District Council.

Ni Ann Ltd has applied for permission to knock down Smack nightclub - which remains open for business - and replace it with a five-storey building with "purpose-built" apartments.

Plans claim the removal of the 600-capacity club would remove a "bad neighbour" from Tavistock Street, replacing it 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."

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

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.