**Title: Transforming Historic Buildings into Residential Flats in Tewkesbury: A Historic Battle Brings New Life**
**Introduction**
In an ambitious endeavor to repurpose historic buildings, a four-year battle for approval with the city council has finally granted permission for two 200-year-old buildings in Tewkesbury’s High Street to be converted into residential flats. Currently used as law offices, these Grade II listed buildings will now undergo a transformation into modern living spaces. Despite encountering objections and design inquiries, the applicant has successfully resolved the concerns, paving the way for the conversion. With this development, Tewkesbury will breathe fresh life into its historic setting while addressing the growing demand for housing in the city center.
**Overcoming Challenges: Delayed Conversion and Design Considerations**
The conversion of the law offices into residential use faced several challenges, causing delays in the approval process. One significant obstacle was the lack of container space and other design inquiries raised by planners and advisers. However, the applicant diligently addressed these concerns, ensuring that all necessary requirements were met. By collaborating with experts and taking into account planners’ recommendations, the applicant successfully resolved the design inquiries and paved the way for the conversion.
**A Transformation of High Street 69 and 70**
The terrace properties at High Street 69 and 70 will undergo a remarkable transformation into nine self-contained units. The conversion plans include five studios, three two-bedroom apartments, and one three-bedroom property. This diverse range of units caters to different preferences and needs, providing potential residents with an opportunity to find their ideal homes in the heart of Tewkesbury’s market town. By repurposing and revitalizing these historic buildings, Tewkesbury aims to meet the demand for residential spaces while preserving its rich architectural heritage.
**Addressing Objections: Balancing Historic Setting and Development**
Amidst the proposal for the conversion of these buildings, some residents expressed objections citing concerns about the potential adverse effect on the historic setting, overdevelopment in the city center, and design criticisms. To ensure the preservation of the town’s character and heritage, these objections were thoroughly considered and addressed through a series of revised blueprints. By actively engaging with residents and taking their concerns into account, planners worked towards finding a balance between honoring the historic significance of the area and meeting the demand for housing.
**Embracing Increased Housing Opportunities**
The approved conversion of High Street 69 and 70 into residential flats aligns with Tewkesbury’s commitment to provide increased housing opportunities. The development will add seven homes within the two three-story Victorian buildings, greatly benefiting potential residents. Additionally, two former outbuildings will be converted into detached houses, further expanding the variety of housing options. Although access to outdoor spaces will be limited to the ground floor, planning officials have emphasized the availability of local parks as alternative outdoor amenities for residents to enjoy.
**Preserving Architectural Heritage: Protected External Features**
Both buildings, dating back to the early 19th century, possess unique and protected external features, including their seven sash windows. The conversion plans will ensure that these features are preserved, retaining the character and charm of the buildings. By incorporating the original architectural elements, the developers display their commitment to honoring and maintaining the historical significance of the structures. This meticulous approach not only adds value to the development but also contributes to the overall architectural landscape of Tewkesbury.
**Embarking on an Environmental Consideration: Bats and Conservation**
During various surveys conducted on High Street properties, the presence of bats was discovered within the buildings set for conversion. As a result, developers will need to acquire a bat mitigation license from Natural England, highlighting the commitment to environmental conservation. This requirement ensures that the bats’ habitat is preserved and appropriate measures are taken to accommodate their needs. By embracing these environmental considerations, Tewkesbury showcases its dedication to fostering a harmonious coexistence between historical significance and natural preservation.
**Conclusion**
The transformation of the two historic buildings in Tewkesbury’s High Street into residential flats marks a significant milestone in the city’s development. Overcoming objections and design inquiries, the approved conversion highlights Tewkesbury’s commitment to meeting the demand for housing while preserving its rich architectural heritage. By effectively balancing the historic setting with development needs and addressing environmental considerations, Tewkesbury ensures that its growth aligns with the town’s character and values. This project not only provides new homes for residents but also revitalizes the cultural fabric of the city. As Tewkesbury continues to embrace opportunities for growth and development, its distinctive charm and historical significance will shine through the repurposing of these cherished buildings.
**Summary**
The conversion of two historic buildings in Tewkesbury’s High Street into residential flats has been granted approval after a four-year battle with the city council. These Grade II listed buildings, currently serving as law offices, will undergo a transformation into nine self-contained units comprising studios, apartments, and a three-bedroom property. Despite objections and design inquiries, the applicant has successfully resolved concerns and will repurpose the buildings while preserving their protected external features. Environmental considerations, such as addressing the presence of bats, have been taken into account, showcasing Tewkesbury’s commitment to both historical preservation and environmental conservation. By striking a balance between development and maintaining the city’s character, Tewkesbury presents new housing opportunities while revitalizing its architectural landscape.
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A couple of 200 year old buildings in the historic from tewkesbury The High Street was given the go-ahead to become a series of residential flats, following a four-year battle for approval with the city council. The Grade II listed building is currently used as an office by a law firm, although surveys have found bats on the property.
Lack of container space and other design inquiries from planners and advisers delayed the conversion of the law offices into residential use, but were resolved by the applicant. The terrace properties at the end of High Street 69 and 70 in the market town now have permission to be converted into nine self-contained units, including five studios, three two-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom property.
Objections to the change of use of the building by residents cited the potential adverse effect of the approved flats on its historic setting, overdevelopment in the city center, and various design criticisms. These objections were addressed in a series of revised blueprints between 2019 and March 2023, with proper bike and bin storage proving the final hurdle to Tewksbury Town Hall planners
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Seven of the new homes will be within the pair of three-story Victorian buildings, while two former outbuildings will be converted into detached houses. Although only the ground floor will have access to the outdoors, planning officials note in their approval that they can use local parks as an outdoor amenity.
Both buildings date from the early 19th century and have a number of protected external features, including their seven sash windows. A series of surveys that were also carried out on High Street properties identified the presence of bats in the buildings, which will mean that developers will need to acquire a bat mitigation license from Natural England.
The planning officer’s delegated report says: “The conversion work would result in very little change to the external appearance of the building. However, associated external facilities such as bike and bin storage are considered to comprise a design of high quality that would assimilate well and be respectful of the environment”.
Since the site will include fewer than 10 individual homes, there will be no requirement under the planning policy for any of them to be sold as affordable housing. However, since it will involve the creation of new homes, developers will be required to pay a Community Infrastructure Fee.
The full planning application for 69 and 70 High Street can be viewed using Tewkesbury Council’s online planning portal, searching under reference 19/00686/FUL
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