Bridgnorth market hall plans backed

The long-awaited plans for the Newmarket Building, in Listley Street, have been approved by Shropshire Council.

Parts of the building, which housed the Childhood & Costume Museum and includes the prominent Postern Gate tower, has been vacant for several years.

The ground floor of the Grade II listed building still houses several shops along the Listley Street, with most of the eastern frontage, known as Postern Gate, being home to Costa Coffee.

The remainder of the ground floor and the upper floors are unoccupied.

The original plan had been to turn convert the empty areas into a 33-bed hotel.

The scheme included an internal car parking area, with a two-tier racking system, as well as a coffee shop, restaurant and a lift.

Carl Huntley, of agents Architecture and Design in Shrewsbury, said: "I know Shropshire Council was very keen to see the building repaired and brought up to scratch.

"But the building needs a lot of money spent on it so although it has been approved we're still not sure how it will progress.

"We did have a turning system in place because highways was concerned about cars reversing on the road but we always felt there would be enough space because the majority would be overnight parking."

Case officer Richard Fortune said after a close examination it was agreed access into the building would not be practical as vehicles would have to be at 90 degrees to the Listley Street entrance.

In a report to the council, he said: "In addition there would be very restricted visibility of vehicles and pedestrians for drivers of vehicles emerging from the building."

Amended plans were eventually submitted removing the parking area and using the space for a larger restaurant for up to 84 covers.

Part of the ground floor will form a reception and office, with the hotel lobby next to it, retaining the iron gate entrance leading onto Postern Gate.

The first floor would provide 11 en-suite bedrooms and the second floor would include six bedrooms, with a new area containing a further 11 en-suite double bedrooms.

The building was originally built to house market traders during market day.