Former bank set for house conversion after planners' approval
The bank’s former vault structure will be removed as part of the work.
Planners have approved a bid to turn a town’s former bank into a house.
Shropshire Council has been considering an application for the former Lloyds bank in Cleobury Mortimer.
The firm closed the bank in January 2023 since which time the Grade II-listed unit has sat empty.
Documents submitted with the application explained the changes proposed for the building.
A heritage statement said: “The application seeks to change the use of the former bank to a single residential dwelling.
“The proposals include both internal and external works, carefully designed to respect and enhance the building’s historic character and architectural significance.”
The work planned includes filling in the former cash machine space with reclaimed bricks and lime render to restore the façade’s symmetry and appearance.
Other changes include replacing the oversized ground-floor window with a “proportionate timber sash window”, and “reinstating original fenestration patterns”.
The statement added that the plans will see the removal of later rear extensions, the former vault structure, and external steps.
The application for change of use, and listed building consent has now been approved.
Detailing the approval in a report on the application the council said: “The proposal concerns a change of use of the former Lloyds Bank which is Grade II Listed to a dwellinghouse.
“The building which comprises a burbage plot is located within the conservation area of the historic core of the Market Town of Cleobury Mortimer.
“The building has been subject to extensive internal and external alteration during its use as a bank, including the loss of historic plan form, staircases, partitions and the introduction of unsympathetic modern features and later rear extensions.
“This proposal seeks to remove or reverse a number of these interventions and to reinstate architectural detailing more consistent with the buildings' early C19 origins. This approach is welcomed and there are no objections to the change of use, from a heritage point of view.”
It added: “In conclusion, the proposal will bring this prominent historic building back into useful occupation and will secure the long term use of a vacant Heritage Asset within Cleobury Mortimer Conservation Area.”
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