Bid to convert Morpeth retail units into residential gets the green light
An application to create new housing in a Morpeth town centre building has been approved.
Northumberland County Council have given the green light to a plan to see the first, second and third floors above the White Stuff store in the Bridge Street/Market Place area changed from their current retail class into four residential units.
The planning statement by Aynsley Planning – on behalf of applicant Zonic Holdings Ltd – explained that the ground floor would remain in “active commercial use” while the upper floors are “currently disused commercial floorspace”.
The aim is to create three two-bedroom flats and one with three bedrooms.
The report by county council planning officers says: “The application site is located within a Conservation Area. The council’s Built Heritage and Design Team was consulted and has raised no objection, noting that the proposed development would result in minimal adverse effects on the character or appearance of the Conservation Area.
“Floor plans have been submitted as part of the application and these demonstrate that the proposed layout is acceptable – with all main habitable rooms benefiting from adequate natural light and being served by at least one window.”
The planning statement also says: “There are no new external features that would materially alter the building’s appearance and the work required to facilitate the change of use would be wholly internal.
“The proposal represents an efficient re-use of upper-floor accommodation and would contribute positively to the provision of residential units within Morpeth town centre.”
It adds: “The creation of four self-contained residential units from the existing upper-floor accommodation represents a proportionate and appropriate form of development in this town centre location.
“The scale of residential provision is entirely consistent with the size and configuration of the existing building and does not result in overdevelopment.”
It concludes: “The site occupies a highly sustainable town centre location, with excellent access to public transport, local services and employment opportunities.
“The proposal would utilise existing access arrangements, would not introduce any new vehicular access points and would not generate a level of traffic likely to result in any material highways impact.”