Plan to turn three homes into flats and bedsits

Planning agents said the proposal was to meet a demand for lower rent accommodation in Oswestry

A developer has submitted plans to turn three homes into flats and bedsits to meet what it said was a demand for lower-rent accommodation in a Shropshire town.

MKH Portfolio Ltd has been unsuccessful in marketing the family homes on Salop Road in Oswestry and wants to divide the properties up, planning agents MossCo LLP.

A smaller part of the ground floor would be kept as office and commercial premises, the planning application said.

A public consultation into the plans is open on the Shropshire Council website.

MossCo LLP said: "There is a strong demand in Oswestry for smaller residential units, on account of lower rental value.

"The building is currently in larger units which have been difficult to let, as they offer family accommodation, but at first floor level and above, with no amenity space."

The plan proposes to divide the property to create three one-bed flats and one bedsit on the ground floor alongside commercial space; five bedsits, a communal kitchen and sitting room on the first floor; and a one-bed apartment and a bedside on the top.

The agents told planners that due to the size, nature and location of the site it was "not possible to provide dedicated parking" and "not justifiable" given "excellent" public transport links and nearby carpark.

They added: "The development's central location enhances accessibility to shops, services, and employment opportunities, encouraging walking and cycling over motorised travel and supporting compact urban living with reduced transport-related environmental impacts."