Old post office building to be replaced by flats

The old post office in Midland Road has been unused for more than two decades

Plans to demolish an old town centre post office and replace it with flats have been approved.

Under the proposal, the building in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, which has been vacant for 25 years, would be replaced by two blocks of flats.

North Northamptonshire Council's planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the Midland Road scheme at a meeting on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the developer said: "We have worked very hard to re-create an entrance that does pay homage to the former post office."

The main block of flats would have five storeys, with a sixth within the roof space.

In total there would be 74 apartments – 45 one-bed flats and 29 two-beds flats.

The council received 20 letters objecting to the plans and one in support. The concerns were about issues including parking, the loss of heritage and over-development.

The plans include six underground parking spaces and eight surface-level spaces. Storage racks for 24 bikes are also proposed.

Conservative councillor David Brackenbury said he welcomed plans to bring the building back into use, but raised concerns about minimal car parking.

"Like many things in planning, nothing in the world is ideal

"We are talking about 74 units, many of whom will want to operate a vehicle – and off-site parking, as I think anyone who visits central Wellingborough will agree, is somewhat difficult.

"We are getting a number of these applications coming in, many of which don't have sufficient parking."

The new flats would be finished in red brick with slate roofs and architectural detail to reflect the site's heritage

The report put to the committee said NNC said "the site is generally well served in terms of public transport and walking and cycling opportunities".

Reform UK member Denis McLean said: "To see places like Wellingborough being developed in this area from being underdeveloped for a long time and sort of looking like an eyesore, I think it's a good thing."

Previously, permission was given in 2005 to redevelop the site for residential purposes with a small retail unit, but the development was not considered viable at the time.

Green Party councillor Ben Williams said: "If they're still struggling with the retail and affordable housing element – which obviously is a massive shame to not have – given that it's been vacant for 25 years in the middle of the town centre, it's a very good thing to bring it back into use."