Officials have thrown out plans to convert a row of Georgian houses in Northgate Street into 33 flats and homes.

They, described the plan as "overbearing", bad for neighbours and out of keeping with the area.

But it means there is now uncertainty over the future of the empty houses, which until recently served as offices for the county council's education department.

Warwick District Council planning officer Martin Haslett judged the proposals from Warwick-based developer the Sandpiper Group would harm the character and historic interest of the grade II and II* listed houses and refused the plans.

Mr Haslett said the proposed conversion would have a "seriously detrimental" impact on neighbours living in The Butts because of its "overbearing" appearance. The designs also breached a policy to limit high density development, and did not address a need for 'affordable' housing.

The town council welcomed the decision. Its planning committee chairman Coun Trudy Offer called the designs "a travesty" and said it was "ridiculous" that they did nothing to contribute to the surrounding area.

She argued there was no need for affordable housing in such a street and instead proposed the houses should be restored to their original state.

Nearby residents had raised concerns about the effect on nearby buildings and the parking problems created by 33 new homes.

English Heritage and Warwick district's conservation area advisory forum had also objected to the plans which both felt did not respect the original character of the houses.

But the Sandpiper group, which was due to buy the houses from the county council subject to receiving planning permission, must now put in revised plans.

The county council is obliged by the government to obtain the highest possible price when selling.

Sandpiper Group managing director Martin Fitzgerald has previously told the Courier that the slowdown in the housing market meant the group packed more homes into its plans to recoup the price.

He was not available to comment when the Courier went to press.

Conservation group the Warwick Society opposed the proposals. Its chairman James Mackay said: "We are not surprised the application was refused.

"It conflicted not only with the essential conservation of the late 18th century but many of the district council's own planning policies.

"Northgate Street is one of the finest streets in England and the county council's responsibility for its future is more important than the present travails in the housing market.

"We hope the county council and the developer will start again with proposals that put conservation absolutely first."