Decision next week on university flats plan for Shrewsbury 'abomination' building
Plans to replace a town centre "abomination" with university accommodation are expected to be approved by councillors next week.
Shropshire Council's Central Planning Committee will hear an application to replace Shrewsbury's Tannery, in Barker Street, with four buildings – three four-storey blocks of accommodation, and one three-storey block for management and post-graduate accommodation.
A report compiled by Shropshire Council officer Jane Raymond says the development would make good use of the site.
She said: "It is considered that the proposed development is acceptable in principle in this sustainable location within Shrewsbury town centre, making efficient use of this brownfield site."
Shrewsbury Civic Society, Historic England, and Shrewsbury Town Council have all asked the council to consider altering the design of the building before beginning construction.
In a statement the Civic Society said it has "significant reservations about design aspects of the scheme".
They include the gaps between the blocks, flat roofs and brise soleil panels.
Shrewsbury Town Council has called for the brick work to match that of buildings in the vicinity. Last month, Shrewsbury Councillor, Peter Nutting, backed proposals to demolish the tannery.
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."
The application will be heard at Shirehall on October 8.
