A vacant convenience store could be transformed into new family housing in an area of Shrewsbury.

Planning permission is now being sought from Shropshire Council for the right to transform the run-down vacant building, which was previously used as Meole Brace Stores, in Meole Crescent, into a new home, as well as building two terraced properties alongside the property.

Chartered town planners Les Stephan Planning, who are acting as agents for the applicants, said the proposal follows unsuccessful attempts to rent the space out as a convenience store.

A design and access statement, submitted with the plans, says: “The proposal makes good a currently run-down vacant site in the heart of Meole Village.

“Its use as a convenience store is no longer viable, as evidenced by the unsuccessful marketing over the past few months and this proposal will bring this prominent corner plot back to life.

“The residents’ association and neighbours have expressed their support of the redevelopment of this site.”

The statement says the use of the building as a convenience store finished some time ago and despite it being placed on the market there was no interest from anyone wishing to take it on.

“It is our intention as a practice to provide small affordable market homes in areas where growth is limited.

“While we appreciate that both the living accommodation and garden amenity space are limited in size, they provide more than adequate space for their use, as set out in the Type & Affordability of Housing SPD, and provide excellent starter homes in a sought after location where such opportunities are minimal.”

Officials say the parking at the front of the homes will be made of a gravel surface to minimise the risk of flooding. Water butts will also be placed at the back of the development to collect water run-off from the roof.

Although the footprint of the homes fall outside the Conservation Area boundaries, the frontage of the site does come within the limits.

The statement adds: “We have considered the contents of the Meole Brace Village Appraisal and feel that the scheme takes account of the existing character of the area and provides a sympathetic design.”