Plan to turn former Shrewsbury gift shop into bar

Dachard Ltd has applied to turn 31 Castle Street into a bar.

It was formerly The Owl & Broomstick gift shop which has since closed.

Now the company wants to turn the building into a bar, which it says will contribute to the “vitality” of the town centre.

The plans were lodged this week and will be determined by planners shortly.

A statement from Dachard Ltd said: “Castle Street is part of the Shrewsbury Town Centre Conservation Area and is currently occupied by a mixture of retail, bar and restaurant facilities at ground floor level. The change of use of the ground floor and basement of 31 Castle Street to a bar is in keeping with the range of leisure and retail industries that contribute to the vitality of the town centre as outlined in National Planning Policy Framework section seven.

“The proposed bar internal layout will improve the accessibility and safety of the premises, contributing to its long-term sustainability.

“The accessibility of the building will be improved by the addition of a new accessible toilet to the ground floor.The basement floor level will be lowered, adding an additional 68sqm of usable floor space accessed by a new generous stair. There will also be robust sound insulation.”

“A new fire escape stair from the basement floor onto the adjoining passage will provide an alternative exit improving fire safety in the building.

“Robust sound insulation (minimum 63dB sound reduction) is to be provided between the proposed bar at ground floor and the existing apartment to first floor level to prevent any potential noise disturbance.

“The exterior of the building is to remain unaltered with the exception of a new non-illuminated sign which will be located within the existing sign panel above the shop front.”