Apartment plans for former Johnstown shop

A former fireplace shop in Wrexham could be turned into three apartments under new proposals.

An application has been submitted to Wrexham Council to convert the old Eco Operative store on Maes Isaf in Johnstown.

The plans would see one apartment created in the commercial unit itself, with a new first floor extension to house the other two.

According to the documents, a hairdressing business which currently operates from the ground floor of the building would be unaffected by the changes.

Architects acting on behalf of the applicant said the proposals had been brought forward after difficulty was experienced in finding a new tenant after the fireplace store closed.

In a planning statement, they said: “The property currently consists of three commercial units, which have been underutilised for some time.

“The hairdressers occupying the southern unit is a thriving business and would remain in situ serving the local community.

“Following the closure of Eco-operative, a fireplace and stove specialist, the units have failed to find a suitable occupant.

“As with many villages, towns and cities there are difficulties in occupying empty commercial properties. Our brief was to extend the property to create a first floor.

“Due to the difficulties in renting commercial properties, it was also determined existing commercial space could be more valuable and easier to occupy by converting to residential.”

It’s proposed that three parking spaces will be provided at the back of the property.

A storage area would also be created to be used by the hairdressing business.

The architects added: “We feel this planning application should be looked favourably the proposal involves creating additional residential homes in a village location where many conveniences can be found.

“Maximising the use and potential of the site within a settlement boundary is seen as a sustainable approach, one that should be fully supported by the community and local authority.”

A decision will be made on the application by the council at a later date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter