Planners look set to grant retrospective permission for 20 canalside moorings opposite a popular pub, despite objections from residents and local councils.

The application, which also includes parking provision, is for the land opposite the Black Boy pub between Knowle and Chadwick End.

Previous permission had been granted for moorings along the Grand Union Canal but some had been put outside the permitted area.

This fresh application, which states that none of the boats would be slept in overnight, is attempting to rectify the situation.

And Warwick District Council officers have recommended that the plans be approved.

However, Lapworth Parish Council, Chadwick End Parish Council and CPRE have all raised objections based on the scheme's impact on the Green Belt.

Thirty-seven local residents have also objected, stating traffic flow on Bakers Lane, the impact on highway and pedestrian safety and the detrimental impact on the openness of the Green Belt as reasons.

But WDC officers have said the moorings would have the opposite effect.

"It is concluded that the development represents an engineering operation, which would preserve the openness of the Green Belt, and it would also not conflict with any of the purposes of including the land within it, given the nature of development and its location," the report said.

"The car parking would now be located within the site boundary, rather than offsite.

"Given that the development is to serve as an over-wintering facility for the storage of canal boats, it is unlikely to attract significant volumes of traffic.

"Moreover, the proposed parking area is already identified as a parking area associated with the existing forestry business within the wider site, therefore there would be no additional parking areas created."

Councillors will meet on Wednesday night (March 30) to discuss the application.

(Image by Stephen McKay via geograph.org.uk)