Proposal to demolish office block in Shrewsbury to create 25 new homes 'lacks ambition'

Shropshire Homes Ltd has submitted plans for the scheme to happen within the grounds of Whitehall Mansion, off Monkmoor Road.

Previously known as Prince’s Palace, the mansion was built for the late Richard Prince between 1578 and 1582, with its existing grounds still containing several original outbuildings and structures.

To protect the stonework, the mansion was rendered white, which in turn gave its former name “Whitehall”. Since then, the render has been removed and the red stonework exposed back to its original built-like form.

Several pre-applications have previously been submitted for the site, ranging from 62 and 65 homes. However, it was felt there wasn’t a demand for such a large number of apartments.

SHL’s proposal is for 25 homes ranging from one to four-beds, with one parking space for the one-bed properties, and two spaces for the rest.

“SHL are proposing a careful but thorough clearance of the site, including the demolition of the existing office block that currently dominates the local residential skyline,” reads a design and access statement.

“Clearance of the current hard standing, office block and unchecked vegetation will unveil a handful of important natural features and key heritage assets that will serve as features within the scheme’s design and layout.

“The proposed development aims to breathe new life into the site with a range of sensitively designed new build homes, and a handful residencies formed from the careful conversion and refurbishment of the Grade II listed cottage building.”

SHL’s pre-applicatrion submission to Shropshire Council showed there was no concern with the principle of residential development of the site and demolition of the existing office would be welcome. However, concerns were raised about the lack of private amenity space, with the proposed amount of shared open space felt not to be sufficient.

The developer has since amended the scheme, with both the private and community amenity space increased and enhanced, as well as historic features.

“Careful consideration has been taken on the design of the scheme so that the main issues raised from the previous pre-applications have been met,” said SHL,” who help a public consultation meeting in September.

“The main concerns were scale, mass, parking and public open space which we believe we have created a good balance and mitigated these previous concerns.

However, Michael Dinneen, of Shrewsbury Civic Society, said that, while it has no objection to the demolition of the 1960s office block, the “lack of ambition for this important site is disappointing.”

“The attempt has been made to ‘play safe’ by using historicist styles for the new buildings but, unfortunately, they do not appear to achieve the quality which would be expected to compliment a major listed asset such as Whitehall,” said Mr Dinneen.

“It would be entirely possible to use ‘traditional’ materials in a more adventurous and bespoke manner here whilst reflecting the standard house type of the area including terraces.

“There is an overprovision of car parking spaces which detracts from the quality of the landscaping. The close proximity of the town centre and adjacent provision of public transport should be taken into more account here.”

Shrewsbury Town Council, meanwhile, said that while it raises no objections, members have raised concerns regarding the number of dwellings close to the mansion and the narrow access road.

“Members suggest the parking spaces per property be reduced to amplify open space which in turn may help with the concerns regarding access,” said a spokesperson, adding that consideration should also be given to having affordable housing.