'Abomination' to be bulldozed for Shrewsbury student accommodation
Planners have agreed to demolish a Shrewsbury building described as an "abomination" to make way for student halls of residence.
Shropshire Council's Central Planning Committee unanimously approved an application to demolish the Tannery on Barker Street, Shrewsbury – a site earmarked for halls to house more than 200 students for Shrewsbury's new university.
Approval of the application was vital for the council to meet a tight timescale and proceed with the plans.
The halls are expected to be completed in time to house students in September 2016.
A separate application, for permission to build the halls, is expected to go before the committee in October.
Councillor Peter Nutting, who sits on the committee, welcomed the decision and said it would allow Shrewsbury to rid itself of one of its architectural eyesores and look to the future.
He said: "Everyone knows this building is an abomination that needs ripping down. We all agree it needs to go and the sooner it does the better. Let's get on with building things for the future.
"The site is very important for the town and it is important that whatever is built there now is of the highest quality."
Councillor Nutting said he is also hopeful that the growth of the university will lead to greater prosperity for the town.
He said: "I am fully supportive of the university and I am sure it will be a long term success that brings great economic advantages to the town."
However, councillor Andrew Bannerman, who represents Shrewsbury's Town Centre, reiterated a previous warning that care needs to be taken to ensure the replacement buildings are designed to enhance the town.
He said: "Vital thought needs to be put into the next stage which is looking at the application for what will replace these buildings on the site. More or less everyone agrees this has been an eyesore, a hole in the town waiting to be filled, and what we need to replace it is something of real quality."
The site is located in Shrewsbury's "town centre special character area", part of the conservation area.
However, conservation officers have said the new halls would enhance the appearance of the street.
Shropshire Council officer Jane Raymond said: "The existing building is a modern 20th century building of no architectural interest or merit and it is considered that its loss will enhance the appearance of the area."
In a report submitted to the committee she explained that the demolition application would not normally be approved until the plans for the new buildings had been agreed but that timescales meant it was important to start work immediately.
