Plan to create flats in middle of Ledbury, Herefordshire

Hillrow Homes of Ross-on-Wye is seeking confirmation that it can convert former solicitors’ offices to the rear of 15 The Homend, Ledbury.

The form of the five flats would be “dictated by the current layout” of the two- and three-storey 19th-century building, whose exterior would only minimally be altered, the firm’s application (number 240143) says.

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Inside, it would be “renovated to a high standard, incorporating energy-saving elements”, while existing windows would ensure natural light to all habitable rooms.

Accompanying plans show the largest of the five having two bedrooms and extending over three floors, while the other four would be single-bedroom flats, each of less than 50 square metres.

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Under what are known as permitted development rights, commercial properties can be converted into homes without full planning permission, so long as they meet certain criteria.

The plan, which can be commented on until February 16, is only the latest scheme to provide modest-sized housing in the town centre’s underused properties.

A plan for The Southend, again for five flats in a former solicitors’ office, was approved in October, while a further five flats could also be created in the Royal Hall off The Southend in a proposal expected to be decided on shortly.