THE removal of a mid 1950’s flat roof existing extension to the rear a listed building has been approved by Herefordshire planners.

The new plans for the property in Brookend Street will have no detrimental affect to the character of the main listed building with only minor alterations to the internal first floor layout and the insertion of three conservation rooflights are the only other alterations.

Herefordshire Council has given permission for the conversion of the first floor rear extension and demolition of part wall and flat rood addition to provide self-contained residential accommodation

The main building is a former antiques/commercial premises spread over three floors The main entrance is directly off Brookend Street with a rear entrance provided off Butchers Ally to the side of the building.

An entrance to the upper floors is accessed off an existing steel staircase to the recently approved apartment.

The ground floor will remain as a commercial unit with no alterations proposed apart from the insertion of a new internal staircase accessed off the existing /original doorway, a new acoustic/fire proof partition will separate the stairs from the retail area.

The first floor will be converted to provide an open plan bedroom/kitchen/lounge/dining area with rooflights being incorporated into the pitched roof to provide natural daylight, ventilation and alternative means of escape.

Planning officer Chloe Allen-Hewitt observed that the proposed development would deliver one, one bedroom dwelling in a sustainable town centre location and added: “The development would deliver social benefits due to its sustainable location close to services, public transport, and employment opportunities.

“The development would also secure re-use and future management of a currently unused and derelict part of the building which is Grade II Listed.

“It is considered that planning permission should be granted. The impacts of loss of the area of commercial floorspace is not considered to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposed development.”