13 flats at Merrivale House Deansway, Worcester

What was proposed

The application proposed converting commercial space into 11 one-bedroom flats, adding a fourth floor with two two-bedroom apartments and altering the façade.

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use from commercial office (use class E) to 11 one bedroom flats (use class C3), and proposed construction of a fourth floor, to contain an additional 2 two bedroom apartments. A total of 13 residential units are therefore proposed. External alterations to the building façade are also proposed. Proposed elevation drawings are shown below:”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site contains a vacant three-storey office block in the city centre, within a conservation area and near listed buildings and a Scheduled Monument.

“The site is located on the north side of Deansway, on the corner with Malthouse Place, in Worcester City Centre. The site contains a three storey vacant office block with a small single storey roof access structure on the roof. To the rear, the building is attached to part of Chapel Walk Shopping Centre, but is otherwise a freestanding office block.”

“The site is located within the Historic City Conservation Area, within an Archaeological Sensitive Area and is on the site of Worcester City Centre Scheduled Monument. Site visit photos are included below.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for converting the building into 11 one-bedroom flats was withdrawn, while the original office block was approved in 1965.

“Planning History 5.1 The site has been the subject of the following planning applications: 5.2 18068/2/B - Erection of a three storey block; ground floor car parking and one unit of office accommodation; first floor two units of office accommodation; second floor penthouse flat. Approved 15/10/1965. 5.3 24/00623/GPDJ – Prior approval application for a change of use from commercial (use class E) to 11no. 1 bedroom flats (use class C3). Withdrawn 11/10/2024. 6.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal would reuse a vacant building, provide 13 homes, improve its appearance and create wider benefits without unacceptable harm.

“Having regard to paragraph 11 (d) of the NPPF, Officers do not consider there to be any strong reasons for refusal and there are no adverse impacts which would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits highlighted above. The proposal would provide a residential development in a sustainable location, make effective use of land, is well-designed and would provide new homes. Officers therefore recommend that planning permission is granted.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s architect spoke for the proposal, describing it as city regeneration that would reuse an unattractive building and provide quality accommodation.

What members discussed

Members discussed affordable housing, car parking, amenity space, the NHS contribution, ecology, biodiversity and charging facilities, while welcoming the building’s reuse and additional homes.

“The agent responded to questions from Committee Members particularly around what type of panels were to be used on the building, room sizes and space standards, cycle parking, mitigation measures in terms of heating, mobility scooter charging, lack of amenity space, lack of car parking and fire safety standards within the building.”

“The advice given by Strategic Housing colleagues is that the Affordable Housing Contribution payment is considered acceptable as a registered provider is unlikely to take on so few units so a contribution would be better served providing affordable housing elsewhere.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members voted nine in favour, one against and none abstaining on the proposal to approve the application.

“A proposal to approve the application had been made and this was seconded. There being no further points made the Chair requested the voting of each Member of the Committee who were eligible to vote.”

Minutes