Business leaders support Warwick Castle’s controversial development

This comes as Warwick Castle said it was appealing against Warwick District Council’s decision to reject the original plans last year.

The result of the appeal will be decided by public inquiry, allowing the public to voice their opinions on the appeal before a decision is made.

The original application proposed 20 wooden lodges, five treehouses, and 41 seasonal ‘glamping’ tents to be built within 
the Grade-I listed Foxes Study site in the castle’s grounds.

Warwick District Council’s planning committee unanimously opposed the plans, despite support from council officers and Historic England.

The castle also submitted a new, revised application in July, featuring a reduced number of lodges and no plans to build treehouses.

And despite objections already raised by the Warwick Society among others, Warwick’s Chamber of Trade said the town should get behind the castle’s plans.

Chamber chairwoman Sue Butcher said: “All businesses have to change and grow in order to succeed.”

“This scheme, which is much smaller than the original one, will help achieve that aim with minimal impact on the 
environment.”

She also described the assertions made by the Warwick Society that the castle will become a theme park as “disingenuous” and “scaremongering”.

Geoff Spooner, the castle manager, said: “The castle has submitted a significantly reduced accommodation proposal working closely with Historic England to ensure this is appropriate and are aware that this has attracted a number of positive comments already.

“The need for accommodation at the castle has been further highlighted by the imminent closure of the Lord Leycester Hotel which will reduce the town centre’s bed stock by 40 rooms.

“This proposal will reduce that deficit to 8 rooms helping to maintain available bed stock in the town and the many economic benefits this brings with it.”

Although the castle believed it was simplifying its plans, the Warwick Society remained opposed to the revised plans, as reported in The Courier at the start of August.

Comments and representations about the castle’s appeal, either in support or objection, should be sent to Robert Cook at [email protected], or three copies of letters should be addressed to Robert Cook, The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/26, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN.

All representations must be recieved by November 27 and must include the writer’s name, address, and the appeal reference which is APP/T3725/W/15/3035923.