Plans for four new homes in the rear garden of a Leamington property have attracted a number of objections.

The planning-in-principle application proposes four three-bedroom mews-style homes behind William Wallsgrove House on Lillington Road.

Each would be around 70 sq m, with a private garden and two parking spaces. The homes would be built in two pairs and accessed from the existing site.

The applicant says the rear of the plot is currently underused and the plans would make better use of land while keeping William Wallsgrove House as the main building facing Lillington Road.

However, the proposal would involve developing part of the property's existing garden, with the impact on the conservation area, neighbouring properties, access, landscaping and biodiversity as areas of key concern.

In fact, there have been multiple concerns over the proposal, including the fact the site, which currently accommodates hostel accommodation, sits within the Royal Leamington Spa Conservation Area.

One commenter stated: "I am concerned that the proposal does not comply with the planning requirements and spirit of the conservation area in which it resides. There are a number of mature trees in the grounds which would be impacted by the additional housing at the rear of the property, which would be detrimental to the conservation area.

"Furthermore, the proposal would set a precedent of housing being established on the western side of Waller Street which has not previously been permitted. This would enable all the houses on Lillington Road to apply for housing at the end of their gardens with the justification set by this precedence, if granted..."

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Another resident who lives in the property immediately adjoining the application site stated: "The proposal represents overdevelopment, fails to preserve the character of the Conservation Area, and has not demonstrated that neighbouring residential amenity would be adequately protected. There are also some inconsistencies in the application documentation and the proposal conflicts with planning policy."

A third wrote: "This area is a conservation area. If the four houses to the rear of Wallsgrove House are allowed to be built, this will open the floodgates for anyone who applies for planning permission to be able to build residential properties in the gardens of Lillington Road facing into Waller Street.

"Over a period of time, this would completely change the look and feel of Waller Street. The issue of parking, road safety and invasion of privacy would continue to be an issue for residents of Waller Street. If permission has been denied to Lillington Road residents in the past, it should not be allowed now."

However, Warwick District Council's Environmental Protection team had no objections to planning application, subject to conditions. These include at least one 3.7kW electric vehicle charging point to be installed per dwelling and before the homes are occupied. Also, with regards to noise pollution, it was asked that developers do their best to minimise noise and dust during construction.

The application is for planning permission in principle, meaning it must first be granted as suitable for development before the plans are officially submitted and cosidered.

View the application here.