Plans to turn former Oswestry church into HMO are scrapped
Richard Cooke wants to convert Hope Church into residential accommodation.
Plans to turn a former Oswestry church into a 10-bedroom HMO and flats have been scrapped – with the proposal now being for apartments.
Richard Cooke wants to convert Hope Church into residential accommodation.
The building on Laburnum Drive, which has been closed since 2022, was previously granted planning permission for it to be converted into a 22-bed of house of multiple occupation (HMO).
However, it was abandoned because it was deemed that the extent of renovation and alteration works would not prove financially viable.
Mr Cooke’s initial idea was to have a mix of HMOs and private apartments, together with associated shared storage and community amenity provision.
However, it attracted dozens of objections, with Jack Beddow – who organised a petition – saying the proposal was too intensive for its location.
Now, updated plans have been submitted which shows a total of seven apartments with a mixture of one and two bedrooms.
There will be six additional parking spaces within the site, alongside the previously stated bicycle storage.
Councillor Mark Owen (Lib Dems, Oswestry South East) said he was delighted with updated proposal.
“When I was alerted to an update on this planning application, my heart sank for residents as I was worried that permission had been granted for the previous plans,” said Councillor Owen.
“However, that soon turned to delight as I saw there had been amendments to the plans to instead provide much-needed individual apartments in place of a very large HMO, and suitable parking arrangements.
“In my opinion, this new proposal is much more in keeping with the area, and I hope will be used to help to meet the housing needs for local residents.
“I would like to thank the many local residents who pushed back on the previously unsuitable plans and helped to make this outcome possible.”
Anyone who wishes to comment on the latest plans (reference 26/02350/FUL) can do so via Shropshire Council’s planning portal.
You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live by visiting publicnoticeportal.uk/shropshire-star
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