More than 100 locals have objected to "dark and oppressive" plans to build a four-storey block of flats in the centre of Kenilworth.

Cobalt Estates submitted a planning application to turn Talisman Square car park into 44 flats and two new shops last July.

Warwick District Council is yet to make a decision on the scheme, but locals have raised serious concerns about the development saying it is "in the best interests of the town" for it not to go ahead.

One objection said: "The planted area [in the square] has become a real community garden enjoyed by many residents and visitors, providing a lovely backdrop to events including concerts and craft markets.

"I am sure having an area of interesting and varied planting to sit by provides health benefits too as well an attraction for visitors to the town and shopping area.

"The proposed development would therefore represent a massive loss of amenity to the town, including the loss of bicycle and car parking, as well as the loss of open space and biodiversity."

Another added: "The building will be too tall and out of keeping for the location.

"It will make the area feel dark and oppressive. Many shop spaces are currently empty implying that further retail premises are not required.

"Talisman Square could be a real community asset as an 'open' space for seating in the midst of the built environment and perhaps periodic use as a market or event space."

A previous scheme to build student accommodation and retail units had already been granted by WDC in 2016 but the build did not go ahead "due to the changing commercial landscape".

And while the new application is for a smaller development, Kenilworth Town Council has also objected to the plans.

Councillors raised concerns about massing due to the extra floor and said the build "does not harmonise with the surrounding buildings".

The council comment added: "There are strong concerns over access to parking for prospective residents.

"Access to the parking site is a tight narrow turn and egress to the parking site is onto Warwick Road, with a bus stop immediately to your left and chevrons to a pedestrian crossing immediately to your right.

"It is further considered there are not sufficient parking spaces for prospective residents, taking into consideration an expectation many of the dwellings will be shared residences and other residences in Talisman square currently use the allocated parking site."

The application can be seen in full here.