New apartments and cafe/restaurant plan for Whitchurch approved

A proposal to breathe new life into the building in Whitchurch town centre has been given the go ahead by Shropshire Council.

The scheme will see two apartments and the new business be created at 36-38 High Street.

Two full-time and two part-time jobs could be created at the cafe/restaurant as part of the redevelopment.

Applicant, Newpark Whitchurch Ltd, hopes the work will help preserve the “important local historical building”.

Documents submitted in support of the application state: “36-38 High Street Whitchurch has elements of architectural and historical interest but has unfortunately been left undeveloped for a lengthy period of time to the point where a lot of the listed elements have been destroyed, removed or have depreciated in significance.

“The remodelling works would result in a revamped, important local historical building that not only maintains the setting of this Grade II-listed building in Whitchurch and continue its legacy as a local landmark and key frontage to the high street, but would allow for the property to become a much-needed, sustainable and practical modern ground floor use and apartments above.

“This works will prevent further dilapidation of the interior and exterior allowing the existing fabric of the building to remain and help sustain it as a vital part of Whitchurch’s heritage for the foreseeable future.

“Major remedial works will be required to the internal first and second floors in order to bring them back into use.

“The rear existing extension, which partially still stands, will require demolition and the rear main three-storey rear wall will require re-building.”

A report by Shropshire Council case officer Alison Groom said: "The principle of development, having regard to the sites location within Whitchurch town centre and the utilisation of a vacant, derelict building is considered to be acceptable."