Flat plans for iconic town building

Plans to create 7 flats in an iconic town building have been submitted to Powys County Council.

The plans, which would convert existing office space on the first floor of the one of the most iconic buildings in Newtown, to 7 flats.

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The plans, submitted by local firm, Hughes Architects on behalf of Charles and Russel Bradley, would see the creation of seven, one bedroom flats on the first floor of the Cross Building, home to the famous town clock at the end of High Street.

The entire building was built in 1898 for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and is currenty Grade II listed. It formerly housed Barclays Bank prior to the closure of the building. Other parts of the building already contain flats.

According to the heritage impact assessment, which accompanies the plans, the "first floor of the building is currently under the Use Class E(g)(i) - Offices and thus, through this scheme will be converted to Use Class C3 - Residential Accommodation".

The report also states: "Since the closing of Barclays Bank, the most recent commercial user of the property, there has been little interest or demand for further use as office space or any other commercial enterprise."

"Due to this, and the increase in demand for affordable living accommodation, the applicant and owner of the building has proposed the conversion of the first floor of the building into flats."

"A use that will revive the occupancy of one of Newtown’s most prolific buildings."

The plans also include the addition of a new lift. There are no alterations proposed to the outside of the building.

Town councillors will consider the application at their next meeting and provide a comment, however the final decision will be made by Powys County Council at either their Planning Committee or delegated to officers.

The application can be viewed online here and using reference '24/0926/FUL' or '24/1066/LBC'. Comments can be submitted via the Planning Portal.