The conservation organisation has objected to plans to redevelop one of Warwick's most important streets - and one of the town's earliest houses.

It has also kept two historic sites - the Masters House at the Leper Hospital in Saltisford, and Old Castle Bridge - on its 'at risk' register.

The group's historic buildings inspector for the West Midlands Nicholas Molyneux has objected to plans to redevelop two sets of county council offices, Northgate Street and Northgate House.

Mr Molyneux also fears it will be difficult to find a use for Warwick Crown Court - itself in Northgate Street - once court functions move to Leamington in 2010.

English Heritage must be consulted over plans for listed buildings and Mr Molyneux has protested over the county council's sale of Northgate Street to developers the Sandpiper group.

Mr Molyneux called the terrace "one of the most significant pieces of 17th century town planning in Britain" but believes it has been "battered" by years of use as offices by the county council.

The row of 11 houses may be divided into 33 houses and flats, but Mr Molyneux feels this is much too intensive. He also warned internal features such as staircases had to be preserved.

One reason given by the developer is that the scheme needs to be divided up to recoup the most possible from the sale - a legal obligation for local authorities.

But Mr Molyneux believes they will hold their value because they are of historic significance.

He added: "In a perfect world one would wish to see them go back to individual houses.

"I understand the county council's desire to get the maximum revenue out of them but the bottom line is that they are listed buildings and that is a constraint."

Coun Elizabeth Higgins (Con, Warwick West) said it was a "tragedy" both that the buildings were empty and that it would be turned into so many homes.

She believes the "stunning" houses could be turned into 22 homes at the most, but that the need for space for wheelie bins and other environmental features made higher density development impossible.

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Concerns have been raised over plans for one of Warwick's finest - and oldest - semi-detached houses.

Half of Northgate House in Northgate Street is currently Warwickshire County Council's staff club. The authority is planning to turn the 1698 building into a training and meeting centre.

But although English Heritage approves of removal of some modern additions, Mr Molyneux fears county designers have paid too little attention to historic details such as doorways and hearths.

Richard Phillips lives in the other half of the historic 'semi'. He said: "It is a very significant building and a very fine piece of architecture.

"We are certainly concerned about alterations the county council wants to make to the interior as both sides of the house contain very fine staircases and panelled rooms."

Warwick Crown Court may face an uncertain future if profitable use cannot be found.

English Heritage's West Midlands historic buildings inspector Nicholas Molyneux has warned it may be difficult to find a use for the grade I listed building in Northgate Street once judges, barristers and defendants have left.

Mr Molyneux believes the 17th century courtrooms may have interesting fixtures which he hopes would be preserved in any new use. But he warned that although the interior may seem to be old, parts might prove to be later additions and of little historical value.

Mr Molyneux believes it is 'early days' in terms of finding a use. One suggestion was for use as a museum, but he said that although this might seem attractive, the Heritage Lottery Fund viewed such ventures as unlikely to make money.

He said: "It is going to be difficult to find appropriate new uses for the courts

"The lesson that has been learned is that museums don't make money. It may sound hard hearted and cash oriented but projects have to be sustainable."

Two Warwick buildings have again appeared on English Heritage's 'at risk' register.

The Masters House, part of the Leper Hospital in Saltisford, is listed as being in 'very bad' condition.

The building, built in the 15th century on 12th century foundations, is currently covered by protective sheeting and propped up.

An offer of an English Heritage grant to restore the building was not taken up. A scheme for conversion of building to offices has planning approval.

Old Castle Bridge in Mill Street, Warwick is also still on the 'at risk' register and listed as being in 'very bad' condition. The remains of the medieval bridge are split between three owners. Stabilising the site is too expensive to be covered by an English Heritage grant. The organisation has proposed transferring ownership to a trust which would co-ordinate restoration and funding package.