A proposal to build seven new apartments next to a popular pub in Leamington Spa has been rejected following strong opposition from residents and local councillors. 

Punch Partnerships Ltd applied to develop a three-storey, pitched-roof apartment block on land currently used as a garden at The Fusilier pub in April 2024. 

The Sydenham Drive scheme included four two-bedroom flats and three one-bedroom flats, along with balconies overlooking the canal on the north side. 

A cycle store and bin store were also included in the plans.

Access to the proposed development would have been via the rear access off Gainsborough Drive, which serves nearby retail units, domestic garages, and the pub car park.

26 public objections were received and concerns were raised by the local community (images via Punch Partnerships)

However, the application was formally refused on 22 May 2025, after 26 public objections were received and concerns were raised by the local community.

This latest refusal follows a previous application in August 2023 to construct nine two-bedroom apartments on the same site, which was also rejected.

Objections from the local residents covered a wide range of issues, including increased traffic and congestion, overdevelopment of the site, loss of valuable green space, noise disturbance to residents, insufficient parking provision, negative impact on local businesses, including The Fusilier pub and poor bin storage and lack of safe pedestrian connections.

One resident stated: "The locals enjoy this small green space and it's a place for families to relax and socialise.

"Myself and my family use this space regularly.

"People (like me) enjoy sitting out there with the dogs after a walk to socialise and get a breather, this space means a lot to the community – please don't build on it.

"You need to stop building housing, we have almost no green spaces left and it will ruin the livelihood of The Fusilier.

"We do not need additional housing; keep this small green space for all the people who enjoy it."

Another commented: "This application has already been refused on access grounds, nothing has changed since the last application because of the position next to the canal, the only access is to the rear of Sydenham Court Shops and the rear access to properties in the adjacent Close who have garages on this access road. 

"The extra traffic would be a serious problem for all of us in this already congested area, and also add to the pressure on vital services like Dr's Surgery, schools etc - please don`t allow any more development in this area - already seen massive development on old Soans site which has had a really negative impact."

The plans included four two-bedroom flats and three one-bedroom flats, along with balconies overlooking the canal on the north side (images via Punch Partnerships)

Cllr Will Roberts also opposed the plans, citing insufficient bin storage, an unworkable refuse collection plan, and the loss of a "valuable" green space. 

He stated: "The design and size of the building will change the amenity of the area, and once a green space like this is lost, it is lost forever."

Royal Leamington Spa Town Council echoed these concerns, highlighting the negative impact on the canal frontage and neighbouring properties, as well as issues of noise, light, and privacy. 

It also noted the proximity of the site to a public house and takeaway outlets, and insufficient detail regarding biodiversity net gains.

The Highway Authority strongly objected to the proposal in its report dated 24 June 2024, particularly due to pedestrian safety concerns. 

It wrote:"The main reason for objection is in regard to pedestrian connectivity and conflict within the service road."

The report added that alternative pedestrian routes submitted were not accessible from the development and did not offer direct access to local bus stops.

The applicant did provide several supporting reports, including a building acoustics assessment by Planning ProPG, which stated: "The client has taken steps to ensure that the future occupants are protected from the noise source."

Despite this, the application was ultimately refused due to the range of unresolved planning, safety and amenity issues.

Access to the proposed development would have been via the rear access off Gainsborough Drive, which serves nearby retail units, domestic garages, and the pub car park (images via Punch Partnerships)

In its refusal letter, Warwick District Council wrote: "There is no publicly maintained highway link with a segregated footpath between the site and the surrounding area.

"This is likely to lead to an unacceptable number of conflicting pedestrian and vehicular movements along the access road to Gainsborough Drive, contrary to highway safety. 

"Furthermore, the proposed principal pedestrian access to the site would be along an alleyway adjacent to The Fusilier Public House.

"This is not considered to provide a sufficiently safe primary pedestrian route in the evening hours."

The full planning application documents can be found here.