Shropshire Star

Plan for luxury Shrewsbury flats likely to be approved

Controversial plans to transform part of an historic former school building in Shrewsbury into luxury flats have been recommended for approval – despite objections from the town's civic society.

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Developers Shropshire Homes want to create six apartments at 33 Kennedy Road, which they bought for £1.2 million earlier this year. And the plans have been supported by planning officers at Shropshire Council ahead of a key meeting tomorrow.

But the scheme has faced criticism from residents and Shrewsbury Civic Society who claim it would have a 'detrimental impact' on the overall look of the area.

The building, in Kingsland, which dates to 1885, was part of the old Junior High School. The proposals seek to convert the main school building into six apartments. There would also be a car park.

The plans would see the demolition of a two storey coach house and classroom extensions, with two large houses built in the grounds.

In a letter of objection sent to Shropshire Council Steven McLeish, from Shrewsbury Civic Society, raised concerns about the two houses.

He said: "The society objects to the current proposals on the basis that they would have a detrimental impact upon the architectural and overall aesthetic appeal of the area.

"Kennedy Road is of exceptional architectural quality. Throughout there is common appeal of late 19th and early 20th century buildings."

He said the new additions would detract from the area's architecture and described them as more of an 'unsuitable pastiche'.

"Overall, we feel these two designs need much more consideration and are currently unsuitable in what is a significant area," he added.

But despite the concerns, the plans have been recommended for approval ahead of Shropshire Council's central planning committee tomorrow. In a report to tomorrow's meeting, council planners said the proposed conversion and new dwellings were 'appropriate' and would not have an adverse affect on the neighbouring area.

The meeting will be held at Shirehall in Shrewsbury from 2pm.

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