THREE homes could be built above a shop in Andover High Street.
An application has been submitted to Test Valley Borough Council to determine a change of use of the upper floors at 14 High Street, above the former Cancer Research UK charity shop.
If approved, it could change from commercial, business and service to three dwellinghouses.
The proposal seeks to revive the existing building and provide Andover with "sustainable residential development," according to Knight Consulting on behalf of Crossways Properties, who are looking to create the new flats.
The application was submitted on Friday, October 25, and details that the site is approximately 0.033 acres and consists of three floors.
READ MORE: Bungalow made 'uninhabitable' by fire to be restored after council approve plans
The site is surrounded by a mixture of residential, commercial and retail units. The building dates to the late 1980s but with heritage buildings on either side. The building replaced a Victorian predecessor in the 1980s
Within the proposal, there are three residential units, all of which are one-bed flats suitable for two inhabitants. The proposal does not affect the retail unit on the ground floor.
A conservation consultation response from case officer Ash James states: "14 High Street is an unlisted building within the conservation area. The former George Inn to the north is listed at GII. There are other listed and historic buildings in the High Street.
"The ground floor was, most recently, in use as a charity shop, but this has recently closed, and it is empty. The current No. 14 is modern, probably dating to the mid-late 20thC (the supporting information doesn’t comment on this), though it could incorporate some older sections – e.g. the decorative detailing on the external archway wall.
"It is proposed to form two apartments at first floor and a further apartment on the second floor. The ground floor would be retained as retail space. No external changes are proposed to the building under this submission.
"There is no heritage objection to the principle of the upper floors being used as residential accommodation. Though this building would appear to be a modern replacement, historically shops on the High Street would have had domestic lodging above them."
To view this application, visit https://view-applications.testvalley.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search the code: 24/02497/PDMAN,
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here