Go-ahead given for flats in protected building

Saturday 09 September 2023

Planning permission has been granted for three new two-bed flats in across two neighbouring High Street buildings.

Victor Properties Limited can change the use of the top three floors of 34-36 High Street from retail purposes to residential, as well as demolishing an extension and outbuildings.

The ground floor would remain for retail use and is proposed to be refitted.

There is also permission to erect a new four storey extension, alter the roof and add a roof light, and make alterations internally and to outbuildings, as well as a bin and bike store.

It is a protected building and falls within the Main Centre, Core Retail Area, Conservation Area, and Archaeological Area under the Island Development Plan. It was formerly used as part of Burton Menswear when it traded locally.

Planners attached 12 conditions including requirements to submit details on how the shopfront will be replaced to protect the “character and appearance of the Conservation Area”, that the roof slate should match the existing, agreements on the replacement windows and doors to be used, and that the bin and bike store should be complete prior to anyone moving in.

The Development & Planning Authority also wants to make sure a spiral staircase is digitally mapped “to ensure a complete and accurate record of this feature of the Protected Building is carried out prior to the removal”.

Overall, it said: “The introduction of residential use above the ground floor retail unit will contribute towards the vitality and viability of the Main Centre in line with the aims of Policy MC6 and the use is not considered to conflict with any surrounding uses having regard to the amenities of future occupiers of the proposed apartments."