Empty shop in Shrewsbury set for conversion into flats

Applicant Laith Zaza says that the former tool rental business closed two years ago and the building is currently empty.

“The scale of the building remains the same in terms of footprint, with only a small uplift in height centrally to accommodate the proposed apartments,” says the applicant’s design and access statement.

“The proposal involves retaining the existing building and fabric in its entirety, with the only alterations being re-introducing windows – almost all within existing openings, and a slight upward flat roof extension to accommodate the internal floor levels required.

“The latter alteration has been kept below the existing front height, meaning the scale and form of the building does not appear any differently from the front

“The reading of the building and historic character is therefore evident and retained. Materials and style would match existing.

“The proposed flats are arranged across two floors, with four flats on each. Main access is taken from the centre of the property’s frontage, as existing. A central internal lift and stairwell provide access upstairs to the newly created internal first floor.”

Plans show two flats with two bedrooms on the ground floor along with two one-bedroom flats – each with outside amenity space.

The first floor is proposed to consist of four one-bedroom flats. A communal refuse and cycle storage area is also included and one parking space for the whole development.

The applicant says that additional off-street unrestricted car parking is available along Derfald Street.

“The proposal therefore responds to the identified need for private rented or owner-occupied small flats within the centre of Shrewsbury,” the applicant says.

“Bringing the property back into use, refurbishment, re-introduction of fenestration, removal of unappealing signage, fascia strip and roller shutters, and improved landscaping are all considered to significantly improve the appearance and character of the building and area, and consequently improve the setting of the adjacent conservation area.”

Shrewsbury Town Council did not object to the plans but raised concerns about parking arrangements.

They said: “There is no guarantee on the amount of cars that could be used by potential residents and with only one parking space available this would lead to added pressure on Derfald Street.”

Shropshire Council planning officer Jane Raymond approved the development despite stating that two of the flats would be ‘subject to road noise’ from their outside areas.

“Acoustic barriers along the front would not be appropriate along the street frontage due to the adverse impact on the street scene,” said the planning officer.

“The provision of some outside space however, is considered better than none and is welcomed. In addition there is a recreation ground less than 300 metres to the north, a bowling green and smaller recreation ground to the south west and a much larger recreation ground to the north east both accessible by footpaths.

“The site is also within reasonable walking distance of the centre of Shrewsbury and all the recreation and leisure facilities that are available in the town centre.”