Think again call over roof design of Shrewsbury's Stew redevelopment
The owners of Shrewsbury's historic Stew building have been told to rethink the proposed design of its roof as long-awaited plans are put forward.
Shrewsbury Town Council say the plans of the disused warehouse, between Theatre Severn and the Guildhall, need another look.
It may become flats and commercial facilities if the scheme gets the green light.
Under the scheme, most of the original building will be retained and the design features a new modern styled roof.
But at planning committee meeting this week, town councillors advised the developers Gallery Design and Developments Ltd to come up with an alternative design for it, before it is considered by Shropshire Council in the future.
A previous plan to demolish the building and create a new hotel instead was thrown out following a planning inquiry in 2015.
Town council planning committee is "broadly in favour" of the project.
Chairman, Councillor Nat Green, said: "The civic society and other interested parties have much wider concerns about what happens to the building then the remit of the committee.
"This committee is in favour of the application, but it became apparent that we were primarily concerned about the roof design.
"The architect said that it was possible for redesign to take place on the roof.
"We would want an alternative design so that when it presumably goes before the central planning committee that members will feel that they have got a better or another option to deliberate over."
Shrewbury Civic Society planning committee chairman Mike Clarke said: "We do want something to happen, but the current plan that the architect has put forward is too modern and fart too big.
"It will reduce the heritage significance of the building because of the modernity.
"They are suggesting that this is due to the need to make it economically viable, but that is not proven."
Carl Huntley, the architect in charge of the new design, said the plans have been drawn up to address “historical concerns” but warned the future of the Stew will be bleak if the latest proposal is rejected.
Gareth Leese, 45, who owns the building with his wife Samantha, said he is pleased with the latest plans that include a spa and a cafe, which he says will ensure the building is fit for another 100 years.
The family hope to create a business that will generate up to 50 jobs.
