Councillors have unanimously backed plans to give a closed Kenilworth cocktail bar a new lease of life.

Warwick District Council's (WDC) planning committee last night (November 5) approved new plans for 'The Kenilworth' which will see the Warwick Road venue turned into an Aparthotel and a house.

Plans show number 61 Warwick Road will be turned back into a house, while 59 and 63 would serve as accommodation.

Explaining the plans, planning officer Millie Flynn told councillors: “Initially it came forward as a hotel - use class C1. On the plans there is no formal reception area.

"After querying it with the applicant, it was noted that it would be used as an aparthotel - which is an AirBnB or holiday lets sort of arrangement.

"Essentially each unit has independent facilities, so that could be a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. So it falls within use class C3."

Some 19 residents had objected to the application, raising concerns around parking, "mass occupation", impact on the listed building and claims it could be used as an HMO.

But a report from WDC officers recommended the application be approved.

It said: "Overall, it is considered that the works would preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building. 

"It is therefore recommended that this application for listed building consent be granted."

It continued: "Objections also raise matters such as parking, occupation, community safety, impact on local infrastructure and the proposed use. 

"However, it should be noted such concerns are not material to the consideration of this application for listed building consent and are matters for the planning application which is subject to separate consideration."

Councillors unanimously voted in favour of approving planning permission.

The former cocktail bar closed in 2023 and the building has been vacant since, the application said.

See the full council report here.