Breaking news: Warwick Racecourse hotel plans rejected

A Warwick District Council planning committee voted by six to four to refuse planning permission for the proposal.

Proposals for the hotel were first announced in 2006, but those who opposed the “overbearing” building said it would ruin views from Warwick town centre, and bring more traffic to the town’s already clogged streets.

But despite misgivings, officials in the district council’s planning department had recommended the plans for approval, and many restaurants supported the hotel, saying it would bring much-needed trade to the town.

Protesters against the plan had gathered outside Leamington town hall before the meeting took place.

More to follow.