Plans to convert space above town centre shop into seven apartments

Two floors above a town centre shop could soon be converted into apartments – along with a refurbishment of the ground floor retail space.

In an application submitted to Wrexham Council it has been proposed that the first and second floors of 16 Regent Street in the town centre are converted into four one bedroom apartments.

The ground floor is used as retail space, however the space on the first and second floors of the building are described as being unused and “no longer required to serve” the shop.

The application also includes the development of a new extension to the rear of the building, which would be used to house an additional three two bedroom apartments.

Access to the new apartments would be provided by a new self-contained staircase, which would be created by minor alterations to the ground floor retail space.

The ground floor retail space will be unaffected by the proposals, with the application’s design and access statement explaining that the shop will be refurbished and refitted as part of the redevelopment.

It will then be “re-let on completion to a fashion retailer who specialised in designer fashions”.

The design and access statement concludes: “In summary the proposed development identified as part of this application for planning permission has striven to achieve the following aims and adjectives:

– Provide much needed residential accommodation in redundant spaces above a ground floor retail unit.
– Maintain the character and form of the existing built development in the area generally in oder to successful assimilate the proposed development into its surroundings.
– Prove a development which achieves the aims and objectives of adopted UDP policies for this type of residential development

“In conclusion this design and access statement has demonstrated that the proposals are in accordance with adopted local planning policing and supplementary planning guidance for the conversion of non-residential space to residential use in the town centre.

“In consideration of the above and the other information provided as part of the application, officers are respectfully requested to view these proposals favourably and resolve to grant planning permission.”

The application will be considered by Councillors at a later date.