Plans to convert a Leamington Spa town centre office block into flats have been refused.

Sahota Capital Investments applied for permission to convert the currently vacant building on Bedford Street into eight flats.

However, the plans were refused by Warwick District Council, with issues cited including a failure to "demonstrate that the impacts from commercial premises on the intended occupiers of the development would be acceptable."

Community groups and members further commented on the application, including the WDC Environmental Protection Agency, which objected the plans.

In their objection the agency argued that the proposed development would provide a poor living environment due to excessive noise levels.

The Environmental Protection Agency statment read: "We would have concerns about the reduced standards of amenity that the proposed dwellings would provide due to the prolonged reliance on closed windows and alternative ventilation."

Royal Leamington Spa Town Council offered no comments or objections to the plans.

In the delegated report WDC concluded: "... based on the information provided officers consider that the development would lead to unacceptable noise impacts resulting from commercial premises on the intended occupiers of the development and would be at risk of flooding.

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"The development is therefore considered to be contrary to paragraphs 135, 200 and section 14 of the NPPF respectively, in so far as they relate to the matters which prior approval is required as part of the officer assessment for Class MA. It is therefore recommended that prior approval is required and refused."

See the full application here.