Fresh bid to convert part of former Fairbairns store in Berwick
A new planning application to bring part of a well-known Berwick building back into use has been submitted.
It is planned to convert part of the former Fairbairns furniture and homeware store into a smaller retail space and three homes – comprising of a studio apartment, a one-bedroom apartment and a two-bedroom townhouse to the rear.
Work has been carried out to sub-divide the 14-26 Church Street property.
The four buildings which formed the Fairbairns store – and which had been under a single ownership – were sold to separate owners last year.
This fresh application for 16 Church Street has been lodged with Northumberland County Council by Luke Sundborg.
A supporting planning statement by the applicant includes the following: “The scheme has been reviewed following the previous refusal and subsequent discussions with the local planning authority.
“The relevant replacement windows are now proposed in timber, providing a more traditional material and appearance appropriate to the historic character of the building and the Berwick-upon-Tweed Conservation Area.
“The residential layouts have also been reviewed in relation to natural light, outlook, internal space, access, waste storage and long-term residential amenity.”
A similar application by Essex-based Depra Ltd for number 26, closest to the police station, was approved by the council earlier this year.
The planning officer report said that the applicant “provided sufficient evidence to show that the application site is currently standing vacant and unused and that the conversion would certainly result in an improvement to the site” and “it is considered that the design of the three new dwellings is acceptable”.