Parking row over more flats for town centre

Two new apartments could be added to a block of 39 flats at the former printing works site in Warwick if a bid to grow the size is successful.
Warwick, Smith Street.
MHLC-31-01-15  NNL-150202-114758009Warwick, Smith Street.
MHLC-31-01-15  NNL-150202-114758009
Warwick, Smith Street. MHLC-31-01-15 NNL-150202-114758009

An application to turn the former Warwick Printing Company off Theatre Street and Bowling Green Street into 39 flats was approved last year.

But the debate will go back before planners on Tuesday after developers sought to add two more apartments by increasing the height of the new build by 2.6 metres.

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The latest application by Waterloo Housing Group raised 18 objection by residents and councillors who feared over-parking and impact on the street.

Members of Warwick Town Council said with the ongoing uncertainty over the future of nearby Linen Street car park, parking was a big concern.

The council said: “There have been concerns raised around the allocation of parking spaces, and the additional apartments as they create extra bulk and will have a detrimental effect on the street.”

Objections from residents also called for the application to be refused as it was “not sympathetic” to an old market town.

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But planning officers have urged Warwick District Council’s planning committee to approve changes to the site which already includes 10 allocated parking spaces with the rest to be managed elsewhere in the town.

Planning officers stated: “The additional apartments and change to the design of the permitted building would not result in significant harm to residents or to the character or appearance of the conservation area.”

The first application sets out that the flats, all of which will be affordable, will be served by parking at Linen Street car park.

It has raised no objections from highways authorities or council planners.

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