Former Shrewsbury trophy and bowling shop can be refurbished

The refurbishment of a closed Shrewsbury shop can take place after planners granted permission.

Shropshire Trophy & Bowling Centre closed its doors in Milk Street last July.

The business, in a Grade II-listed building that dates back to the 17th century, had sold bowls and bowling accessories in the town since 1982. It was formerly owned by Tony Poole, one of Shropshire's greatest ever crown green bowlers and a seven-time finalist at the Waterloo Bowling Championships.

However, a combination of factors including the end of the company's lease meant the business decided to close.

Last December a planning application was submitted for the retail unit to be refurbished in preparation for a future occupier. It runs alongside a separate proposal for two residential apartments on the upper floor.

A modern dropped ceiling would be created to provide fire and sound separation between the ground-floor unit and the proposed apartments.

The works also include upgrades and alterations to the existing ground floor WCs, with a new set of stairs providing access to the apartments. The existing stairs would be closed off due to no longer being used, but would remain behind a closed wall and door.

Karen Rolfe, a planning officer at Shropshire Council, said that, having considered the works as set out in the supporting documents and plans, it is considered that it has been satisfactorily demonstrated that the application meets the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework as well as legislative requirements.