Application to turn Leamington town centre bar into accomodation for young professionals and students or office space

But Moo owner Steve Smith says that even if planning permission is granted he has no intention of closing the bar or changing its use "in the foreseeable future" with the applications having been made when there were reports that businesses such as bars and pubs could be closed until the end of the year due to lockdown.

The bar, on the ground floor at 24 Russell Street, would be converted into residential space to match the multiple occupation flats above it or office space.

BNP Design BPN Architects have been commissioned by Balaclava Projects to prepare the design proposal and planning applications for the site.

The design and access statement for the proposal says: "It is proposed that the ground floor is converted into a residential use to match those on the upper floors of the building.

"The unit has been designed as a dwelling in multiple occupation.

"These types of dwellings will be marketed at young professionals and students seeking to share the cost of high quality town centre accommodation.

"Houses in multiple occupation are common in larger towns and cities and consist of a large ensuite bedroom which is licensed to individual occupiers,

with a large shared living / dining and kitchen area.

"This model of city centre living is proving successful across the country.

"There is no parking provision as part of this development. The development is located at the heart of Leamington Spa and is less than a ten-minute walk

away from Leamington Station.

"The building is situated in a highly sustainable location in terms of utilising public transport and cycle routes.

"If a future resident has a need for a car, Warwick District Council operates a residents parking permit scheme on Russell Street which would allow any future resident to purchase a car parking permit. In addition there is also a large multi storey car park opposite the site that runs a similar permit scheme."

For moe information about the application find W/20/0628 on Warwick District Council's online planning portal.