Plans submitted to convert a former Martin’s store on High Street into three residential flats. Council approval is required.
Previously, Mr. A Stretch attempted similar changes two years ago. The building, a Grade II-listed former Martin’s store, faced rejection then.
The council rejected the previous plans, deeming them “unsympathetic” and the design “overdominant” and out of place.
Mr. Davani believes his plan is an improvement. RAW Planning, in a statement, claims the new design addresses past concerns, noting the store has been vacant for several years.
The statement highlights the difficulty in renting the large retail space, suggesting downsizing for a better business opportunity. Approximately half of the retail area would be converted.
The space being repurposed is primarily storage and the former staff area at the rear. The main store area will be preserved, and new staff spaces, along with shared bicycle and bin storage for the flats above, are included in the plan.
Above the shop, there is an unused five-bedroom flat. The “unsympathetic” rear buildings are slated for demolition and replacement with a ground-floor extension.
The new layout proposes three flats, one per floor, ranging from a one-bedroom unit to a three-bedroom unit.
The statement explains the challenges with the current five-bedroom flat and argues that existing extensions detract from the building’s appearance. The proposed plan aims to rectify these issues, revitalize the building, and aid in its preservation.
The complete plans are accessible online via the council’s planning portal under application number 24/11083. Public comments are welcome until March 7.