A plan to convert a prominent building in a Herefordshire town into five flats has been given the go-ahead.

John Daniels of Colwall had applied to convert former offices at 13 The Southend, Ledbury, the main A449 within the town’s conservation area, under so-called permitted development rights.

These allow conversion of commercial buildings to residential use under certain conditions without the need for full planning permission.

RELATED NEWS:

The building, which previously housed a solicitors firm, “is in a sustainable location, with amenities within easy walking distance”, his application said.

The main issue raised was the likely impact on parking. Nearby resident Richard Davies said any additional vehicles “are likely to further increase pressures on an already over-used road” – a concern echoed by another neighbour, Timothy Roberts.

The town council however did not object.

OTHER NEWS:

Planning officer Gemma Webster concluded that the proposal met the conditions of permitted development, and was in “a very sustainable location with good access to facilities and public transport”, meaning “reliance on the private car is not required”.

And while on-street parking is “in high demand” at the spot, “there are also a number of public car parks in the area”, she said.

Meanwhile the building’s casement windows and “solid” doors would be kept, meaning the plan would “not alter the character and sustainability of the conservation area”, she added.