Permission wanted to create 4 town centre flats

Town Councillors will discuss a planning application to create 4 residential flats in the heart of the town centre.

Members of the Town Council's Economy & Environment Committee will meet next week to discuss a proposal from Stephen Bowen to create 4 residential flats in Merchant House, the site of the previous Ian Snow shop in Newtown.

Currently, the shop is occupied by Meatmasters Butchery and the first and second floor of Merchant House are offices. The applicant, Stephen Bowen, wishes to change these offices into flats to create 4, one-bedroom residential flats.

In a design and access statement accompanying the application, it states that:

"Due to an abundance of office space and low demand due to changes in working practices, the commercial returns on letting in the longer-term render the office use no longer viable. It was desirable to bring this area into full use ensuring the long-term sustainability of the building."

The plans also include the installation of a PV solar panels and alterations to windows.

The Town Council is a statutory consultee and submit comments to Powys County Council's Planning Team and do not make the final decision.

The application can be viewed online here and quoting reference '23/0657/FUL'