New plans to convert Grade II Listed building in Bridgnorth High Street into flats

Previous proposals to turn 3 High Street, into seven self-contained flats were withdrawn following concerns raised by Bridgnorth Civic Society.

But a new application by the Swancote owner has been submitted to Shropshire Council's planning department to convert the historic building into three flats.

A design and access statement submitted along with the application says the work would result in a two-bedroom flat, and two one-bedroom flats.

A consultee comment provided by conservation officer Ben Williscroft states "there are concerns as to the paucity of detail provided".

Mr Williscroft said: "The main proposed change is the reduction of the proposed number of flats from seven to three flats (i.e. one flat per floor) which is generally supported.

"The revised proposal also includes the insertion of a new staircase where this shall have a major inevitable impact upon the existing fabric of the building.

"It is not clear in the submitted design and access statement nor the heritage statement as to the need for a secondary staircase (i.e. is it for fire safety?) and whether this justifies the removal of existing fabric."

Interventions

He adds: "Whilst there are no principle objections to this proposal in order to bring this listed building and curtilage listed outbuilding, there are concerns as to the paucity of detail provided, where some interventions could potentially be harmful to the existing fabric of the listed building. Therefore further information (new or amended plans, along with relevant technical specifications and method statements) are required.

"Whilst it is acknowledged that some of this information may be conditioned, it is strongly preferred that the requested details are provided up front in order to inform the proposed schedule of works and to ensure the satisfactory preservation of this significant listed building."

The three-storey vacant town house, which adjoins a jewellers, is thought to have originally been used as a shop.

The design and access statement adds: "The existing building has seventeenth century origins, with some remaining timber framing, where there is still some timber framing evident on the first floor on the north gable.

"The building has been vacant for a number of years but appears to be in generally sound condition and is weather-tight.

"The side alleyway would have historically been open rather than enclosed. Whilst the existing listed building is in a discrete location within the conservation area, it still makes a positive contribution to the overall character and appearance of the Bridgnorth Conservation Area (High Town) and has archaeological significance being a historic building that lies within the historic core of the town and adjacent to the Northgate."

Shropshire Council's planning department is set to decide on the plans in the coming weeks.