A plan to build a three-storey extension at the back of an apartment block in Leamington Spa has been recommended for refusal. 

The application for the Kenilworth Road building also includes changes inside (which do not need permission), a new lift, fire escapes, small office spaces, and a new car parking layout.

The extension would include a garden room on the ground floor instead of a conservatory, and offices on the first and second floors. 

This application is an amendment to a previously approved scheme, which granted permission for the conversion of the building into seven flats.

Instead, it seeks approval for an additional extension and associated changes to alter the design of the already-approved development.

If approved, the total number of flats would remain as it stands now, at seven.

The extension would include a garden room on the ground floor instead of a conservatory, and offices on the first and second floor (image via Felix Heritage)

The application has been met with concerns, including four objections from the public and is due to be discussed at Warwick District Council's (WDC) planning committee next week.

Reasons for objection included concerns the proposal would lead to an "uncharacteristic lengthening of the side access" of the property, which leads to the traditional coach house style property behind the site and the potential impact on nearby trees.

Reference was also made to the Leamington Neighbourhood Plan, which emphasises the importance of respecting heritage significance, scale, height, and rooflines, all of which the commenter said would be compromised.

Other objections included insufficient parking provision,the likelihood of increased traffic movements and noise pollution.

However, there are five supporting comments. The include reference to the "thoughtful designs" to mirror the other Kenilworth road properties, an improvement of the street scene and the fact it would "not result in harm to residential amenity by reason of overlooking or loss of light." 

Objections came from WDC Conservation, which noted the works, including the arrangement and proportioning of the windows and doors would be "incongruous" and lack incorporation with the overall design of the building. 

It said: "Less than substantial harm would be caused to the character and appearance of the Royal Leamington Spa Conservation Area, for which there are insufficient public benefits."

Regarding the health and community protection, and waste management, there was no objection.

Cllr Syson also objected to the plans due to concerns the proposals would not "preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the area," or "positively contribute to the character and quality of its environment."

Also, the loss of privacy, and lack of mention in the planning application about how the 10 percent biodiversity net gain would be achieved. 

The plans for the three-storey extension at the back the for the apartment block in Leamington Spa has been recommended for refusal (image via Felix Heritage)

A report due to be discussed by councillors next week has been put together by council planners and recommends the application be refused.

In the assessment, the main issues of the application were highlighted as the impact on heritage assets, the character of the area, residential amenity, access, parking, drainage, ecology, waste management and sustainability.

In the committee report, the officers summarised: "While the proposed apartments would afford future occupiers sufficient levels of amenity, there are concerns that the existing amenity for neighbouring properties, principally No.56, would be adversely impacted by the proposed extension. 

"By reason of its scale, mass and bulk together with the proposed increase in depth, the development would create a tunnelling effect along No.56 southern boundary, resulting in an overbearing impact and loss of light to its rear-facing windows.

"The proposal is thereby considered to be unneighbourly and contrary to the aforementioned policy."

The site has seen a series of planning applications in recent years, reflecting ongoing efforts to adapt and extend the property.

Permission was first granted in July 2020 for the conversion of a single dwelling into seven apartments, along with the demolition and replacement of a single-storey side extension. 

This followed the withdrawal of an earlier, larger proposal in 2019.

Subsequent attempts to amend the approved scheme, including the addition of a rear fire escape, external staircase, balconies, and a garden room, were repeatedly refused, with applications in August 2023  and September 2024 both turned down. 

An appeal against the latter was dismissed in January 2025. 

An earlier variation application submitted in January 2023 was withdrawn.

Most recently, a more modest proposal for a single-storey rear conservatory/sunroom, along with adjustments to the parking and bin storage layout, was approved in October 2024.

The plans are set to be discussed at the planning committee meeting on 17 June 2025.

The planning documents can be viewed here.