Decision awaited over tanning salon proposal

A GRADE II listed building in Leamington could be turned into a tanning salon if plans are given the go-ahead.

Leamington Town Council’s planning committee is considering proposals submitted by Exposure Tanning to change the use of 84 Warwick Street to a tanning, nails and beauty salon.

A final decision will be made by Warwick District Council next month.

The application was originally considered by the town council planners on August 6 but was rejected by councillors who said: “As the proposal was not to be entirely for A1 retail use it was felt inappropriate for this application to proceed.”

But Exposure Tanning are asking the committee to reconsider at this week’s meeting.

In a letter to the council, Geraint McCarthy, managing director, said: “The current planning classification for 84 Warwick Street is A2 office; this was granted in 2007 without objection. With this in mind we are not removing any retail space from this parade of shops.

“Our planning classification is Sui Generis as we are outside normal planning classes, however we have a large retail area and displays in each of our salons, which accounts for 35 per cent of our total business.”

Mr McCarthy also said the company planned to make a large investment in the building. He added: “The unit has been vacant and in a deteriorating state for three years, with the adjoining unit at 82 Warwick Street also vacant for some time; the property has a considerable and worsening damp problem due to it lying empty.

“We intend to make considerable investment into this Grade II listed property and have extensive experience in doing so. Each of our other three salons operates from Grade II listed properties.”

He said moving the salon from its current, smaller premises on Regent Grove would create an additional three full-time jobs, bringing the total number of people employed to six.

The committee will reconsider the plans at Thursday’s meeting.

A spokesman for Warwick District Council said: “We haven’t made a decision on the application yet. Leamington Town Council is a consultee - the final decision lies with us which will take place by September 9.”