Plans for 'lower-rent accommodation' in town

The building is occupied by Hartey Wealth Management Ltd, which has objected to the changes being proposed

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

The current site at 9 – 11 Salop Road in Oswestry consisted of a property that had previously been two semi-detached units combined, MossCo LLP - planning agent for MKH Portfolio Ltd - said.

The plan is to subdivide the property to create a smaller office/commercial unit and 12 residential units, including one-bedroom apartments and bedsits.

The building is currently occupied by Hartey Wealth Management Ltd, which has objected to the changes being proposed.

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

The proposals are for three one-bed flats and one bedsit on the ground floor, along with commercial office use; five bedsits, a communal kitchen and a communal sitting room on the first floor; and a one-bed apartment and one bedsit on the top.

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

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.

They also pointed out there was a large public car park – Oswestry Central Car Park – connected directly to the site.

"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."

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