HMO and apartment plans above vacant High Street property

Disused space above a former town centre bookies could be converted into a HMO.

Plans have been lodged seeking permission to turn the first and second floors of 30 High Street into a six bedroom house in multiple occupation, for eight tenants and two self contained flats.

The building itself is described as being “largely the result of a mid-19th century rebuilding, but it may incorporate elements of an earlier structure from 1786.”

Up until recently the ground floor of property was occupied by Corbett Bookmakers, with the upper floors previously used by Gittins McDonald Solicitors.

As part of the proposals the applicants say they are looking to change the use of the first and second floors to form residential flats and put in place additional A3 and A4 planning class to the existing ground floor retail space.

In terms of the HMO the proposed layout of the building shows that three bedrooms, along with a kitchen, bathroom and WC would be located on the ground floor. A further three bedrooms, communal lounge, bathroom and WC would also be on the second floor.

The two apartments proposed for 30 High Street would be located at the rear of the property and would include two bedrooms, lounge, bathroom and open plan kitchen and diner.

The application also proposes that 24 Temple Row, which as at the rear of the High Street property, is turned into one self contained flat with two bedrooms.

As part of the redevelopment, the application’s design and access statement notes that “accessibility is unaltered and both front and side entrances provide level access to the building.”

It continues onto say that: “Non of the proposed works will adversely affect the fabric or appearance of the building.

“The external aesthetics to High Street will be retained and it is proposed that all the existing windows are to be retained as they are in a good state of repair.

“No works to the roof are proposed as it is in good repair and shows no signs of water ingress.”

The application concludes: “By refurbishing the upper floors it is intended that the works will enhance this Grade II listed building and the conservation area and will ensure the building is sustained in use.

“The proposals will keep in use and maintain an important town centre building whilst creating additional residential accommodation in an otherwise vacant building.

“There will be no adverse effects on neighbouring properties or amenities and there will be an improvement in safety.

“The application should therefore be supported.”

The plans will be considered for approval by Wrexham Council at a later date.