Heritage expert applauds plans to replace 'unsightly' concrete garage in Leamington with a new one more in keeping with the area

A heritage expert has applauded plans to knock down an 'unsightly' concrete garage at the rear of a Leamington home so that a new one more in keeping with the area can be built.

Their statement, prepared for planning officers at Warwick District Council, explained how the proposed work would improve the area just off Radford Road.

A decision will be made in the new year as to whether planning permission will be granted to the owners of the property in St Mary’s Road. The new garage would be at the rear of the house in Chesham Street.

The statement said: “This rather fine example of early 19th Century brick-built gentleman's residence is one of many in this area of Leamington around St Mary's Church.

“The generous rear gardens back onto Chesham Street where garages are located.

"Unfortunately this area has not been cared for, in that car parking and garages have been allowed to spring up without too much care for the surrounding buildings.”

Under the plans, two garages would be replaced by one larger structure with the extra space needed because wheelchair access will be required.

The statement added: “The proposed alterations will have no adverse effect upon the heritage asset, street scene or neighbourhood.

"Rather the reverse, in that the proposals will enhance the street scene by removing the ugly pre-cast structure and bringing back the eastern brick garden boundary wall as originally built in the early 19th Century.

"Further enhancement will be achieved by the removal of the existing garage doors which open outwards across the public footpath.”

Under the plans, part a brick garage will be taken down but bricks and roof materials will be reused in the replacement garage.

It is also planned for the new garage door to be an electrically operated roller shutter operated by a key fob in the car which would avoid inconvenience to pedestrians.

The public can have their say on the plans up to January 15.