“Unhappy” councillors have approved plans to demolish an HMO in Burton Green and to replace it with four new homes.

Warwick District Council’s planning committee raised concerns about the application for ‘Meadow View’ on Hob Lane but felt they could not justify refusing permission.

Residents spoke out against the plans, with neighbour Paul Newsome saying at last week's meeting: “The planning officers believe this is a sustainable development with regard to economic, social and environmental objectives. 

“I believe this application fails that standard.”

A public comment also said the development - which will see four, four-bedroom homes built - could force the neighbouring equestrian business to close.

In response, principal planning officer Lucy Hammond said: “We have gone out to full consultation. 

The new plans for the site off Hob Lane (image via planning application)

“I think the concerns that have been raised are about the impact of noise through the construction of the new dwellings rather than the actual use [and] the impact on the neighbouring use.”

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Following a lengthy discussion, Cllr Bill Gifford summarised: “I am not really happy with this application. 

“But I am also concerned that it is one we might have difficulty in upholding a refusal at a planning appeal given we have a requirement to provide an awful lot more houses than the three extra we will get from this. 

“I don’t like the application. 

“I am concerned we would not have strong enough reasons for refusal.”

Cllr Martin Luckhurst added: “I don’t like it either, but he [Cllr Gifford] is probably right, we would struggle to uphold it. 

“I will unhappily second the proposal.”

The original application was for five extra homes, but this was later reduced to four.