'A devastating effect on the local community': 22-bed HMO plan receives mixed response from Oswestry residents

The hotel - once known as The Bear Hotel and most recently as the home of the Bullring Bar - has been vacant since it closed in 2015.

Previous plans to convert the Georgian building into apartments were given the go-ahead but the development was never completed, with the owner claiming there was little demand for such accommodation in the town centre.

The latest application stated: "The provision of a larger HMO will provide much-needed lower-cost housing accommodation, whilst securing the continued occupation and maintenance of the building and the site."

But the plans have not been wholly welcomed by Oswestry residents, with some raising concerns over the potential impact on the town's character, the commercial loss of a hotel and concerns over anti-social behaviour.

One objector, Mr Davies, said the conversion of similar properties "had a devastating effect on the local community around them".

He added: "Oswestry needs tourism and hoteliers not more landlords cramming as many people into an old property as possible."

Local business owner Ms Cleal said the development was an "inappropriate development in a key commercial zone".

She said: "The property lies within a designated commercial area, formerly used as a hospitality premises that contributed significantly to the vibrancy and economic activity of this part of town.

"Converting this space to residential HMO use removes a valuable commercial asset and risks eroding the business identity of this part of Oswestry.

"Businesses on this stretch, including our own, depend on a clean, safe, and attractive environment.

"An HMO, particularly if poorly managed, introduces potential issues around noise, refuse, parking congestion, and antisocial behaviour - all of which directly impact customer perception and business viability."

But not everyone was so concerned over the plans, with some residents pleased to see plans for a building which had stood empty for several years.

Mr Taylor wrote: "I'm in full support of making use of this building. It's sat empty for years in a prime location in the middle of town.

"The building is huge and makes a lot more sense to turn somewhere like this into a HMO than some of the other proposals that Oswestry has seen in recent months."

Another, Mrs Denyer, wrote: "The repurposing of this building for HMO is something I support. The building has been empty for years, and the chances of it being used again as a public house/hotel are slim due to changes in public drinking habits and the costs associated with the leisure industry.

"The conversion of this building into a HMO would bring an empty building into use. Although car parking is limited - the main central car park is within walking distance.

"Such accommodation would appeal to businesses for workers on short/long term contracts, they could provide social housing options to local residents and the homeless."

The full application is available to view online on Shropshire Council's planning portal using reference number: 25/02361/FUL