Historic listed book shop could become houses

The planning applicants say it is not possible to turn the property into a modern retail space

A former book shop in Shrewsbury which has been operating for more than 50 years in the town centre could become residential properties.

Plans have been submitted to Shropshire Council to turn the Grade II listed former home of Candle Lane Books into two townhouses.

The popular secondhand book shop gave away its stock for free as a thank-you to its customers before it closed down in March.

Applicants JJ Signature Holdings Ltd say the development would return the building to its original residential use.

A statement supplied with the application said: "Princess Street is one of the most sought after locations within the river loop of Shrewsbury and the conservation area.

"It is a handsome street lined with beautiful Georgian town houses in the centre of the historic town.

"The work will improve the functionality, viability and future life of the building by returning the building to its original use."

The applicants say the existing layout with a number of rooms across three levels, while well-suited to its former use as a second-hand bookshop, could not be made suitable for a modern retail outlet.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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