BCP Council (Bournemouth): Matt Annen has secured planning and listed building consent for alterations and conversion of a first floor from offices to 3 flats in Bournemouth town centre. The Grade II listed former bank building is situated on a prominent corner location within the Old Christchurch Road Conservation Area.
Following conversations with the heritage officer during the planning process, amended plans were submitted to alleviate a number of concerns including changes to the location of the toilets to avoid removal of the existing radiators, reconfiguration of rooms to allow for better natural sunlight, provision, details of sound insulation, new pipe work and carbon/charcoal filters, wall and doorway detailing, and bin store details. The heritage officer subsequently agreed that the revised drawings overcame all the initial issues and considered that the proposed work would be in keeping with the existing building. The heritage officer considered the design of the proposed scheme would respect the existing features and found no harm to the overall significance or special interest of the building. The heritage officer also supported our justification for the proposed change of use stating that the proposal would benefit the future care and upkeep of the building.
The planning officer deemed that the development would not involve the loss of office space which was in conjunction with the ground floor former bank which is no longer in use and therefore the proposed change is use was not considered to harmful impact the use of the building set within a mixed area where residential uses at first floor are common. In addition, these new residential units were located in an extremely sustainable location, within Bournemouth town centre.
If you have a premises in the town centre which may have potential for conversion to residential use, why not give us a call on 01202 585524 or email info@puretownplanning.co.uk. You may well be missing out on a prospective opportunity!