Plans for new memorial plaque on historic Leamington building revealed
Plans to place a 'special interest plaque' on a historic Leamington Spa building have been revealed.
The proposed plaque will commemorate the Regent Hotel, which is located on the Parade, and its "significant" role as the central base for many camouflage units, during the Second World War.
Special Interest Plaques (SIPs) differ from Blue Plaques, as they commemorate a specific building where activities of interest took place as opposed to the private residence of an individual.
According to the application submitted by Leamington Spa Town Council, the Regent Hotel was damaged during air raids in the Second World War but remained active until the Directorate was wound down in 1944, returning fully to hotel use in 1948.
The plaque is proposed to take position on the wall near the entrance to Rosie' Tea Room.
This is because it is a less prominent side of the building and will allow people to view it "without disrupting pedestrian traffic" and avoid clutter.
According to the application to Warwick District Council, the plaque is set to read details about the Regent Hotel, including its requisition in September 1939 and its dedication to the 'camofluers' which helped develop camouflage to protect important civil and military sites from being bombed by aircraft and from submarine attacks from naval and merchant ships.
It will be 350mm x 250 mm and have a wine red background with cream lettering, making it consistent with the two existing Special Interest Plaques in Leamington.
The most recent Special Interest Plaque in the town is the Woodbine Street Recording Studio which was used by The Specials to record the well-known hit 'Ghost Town'.
In its application, Leamington Spa Town Council wrote: "This plaque would not result in significant harm to the character, historic integrity and appearance of this property and would add to the historical interest of the town.
"It is considered this plaque will have a less than significant harmful effect on the Grade II Listed Building (The Regent Hotel) and that harm will be outweighed by a valuable addition to the historical assets of the town."
View the full planning application here.
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