Town Centre Pub Could Be Partially Converted Into Flats

Plans to partially convert a town centre pub into three self-contained apartments are set to be given the go ahead next week.

Proposals to convert two floors of The Commercial, located on College Street in the town centre, are recommended for approval by Wrexham’s Planning Committee next week.

Last July Wrexham.com reported on the initial planning application, which consisted of converting the first and second floor of pub into three flats.

Currently the first floor of the building contains a bedroom, sitting room, kitchen, bathroom and lobby. The planning documents go onto note that the ‘proposed new layout will retain these spaces on a reduced scale to create a 1 bedroom unit’. It is also proposed an additional kitchen, sitting room and bathroom on the first floor are introduced in the remaining space.

The second floor consists of five bedrooms, two of which will be retained and used alongside the new living accommodation below to create a two bedroom ‘duplex style unit’. The remaining 3 bedrooms are to be converted into a 1 bedroom unit.

There is no ‘recreational space’ or parking provided for the accommodation, however the planning documents note that due to the location of the building and it’s accessibility to amenities, the lack of outdoor space is not a ‘detriment’ to the application.

Several concerns regarding the proposals are also listed in the planning documents, with the practicality of the flats over two floors, accessibility of the amenity area and the ‘character of the future occupants’ are all brought into question.

However the planning officer states: “As with the existing 6 bedroom accommodation, the planning authority cannot control who the owner chooses to let the building to, and this is not a relevant planning consideration for this application.”

The proposals has been submitted in two separate stages – the first for the conversion of the first and second floor into living accommodation and the second for listed building consent for the property.

The Commercial on 11 College Street was listed as a Grade II building in 1994, due to its special interest as an early C19th public house. The building is noted as a ‘highly significant property within the town centre as one of its most historical public houses and due to its close proximity to the Parish Church of St Giles.”

Within the planning documents it is noted that concerns have been raised by the Community Council and local member regarding the character of the building, stating: “Concerned that this proposal should be in character with the listed building and conservation area.”

The proposals will go before Wrexham Planning Committee on Monday 2nd February at 6:30pm. The meeting will also be webcast live on the Wrexham Council website.