An application to create some housing in a Morpeth town centre building has been submitted.

If the change of use bid is approved by Northumberland County Council, the first, second and third floors of a commercial building in the Bridge Street/Market Place area – the White Stuff store is located on the ground floor – will be converted from their current retail class into four residential units.

A planning statement by Aynsley Planning on behalf of applicant Zonic Holdings Ltd says that the ground floor “remains in active commercial use” while the upper floors “are currently disused commercial floorspace”.

It also includes the following: “There are no new external features that would materially alter the building’s appearance and the works required to facilitate the change of use would be wholly internal.

The change of use bid is for the first, second and third floors of the building, with the White Stuff store on the ground floor.

placeholder image — The change of use bid is for the first, second and third floors of the building, with the White Stuff store on the ground floor.

“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.

“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.

“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 new vehicular access points and would not generate a level of traffic likely to result in any material highways impact.”