New plans for former Bridgnorth council offices

The former headquarters of Bridgnorth District Council, Westgate, was snapped up last year by South Staffordshire Housing Association (SSHA) as part of efforts to regenerate the land.

When the initial plans to demolish existing buildings to make way for a mixed residential scheme of 31 dwellings were unveiled in October, members of Shropshire Council's south planning committee told the association it was disappointed by the layout and lack of green space.

The decision was deferred for further talks between the planning officers and the developer.

Now a revised application has been lodged featuring 30 homes instead.

The application stated: "The alterations made to the proposed development comprise a reduction in the number of dwelling units by one to 30 to free up space in the centre of the development. Introduces a new public garden space in the centre of the design, which can be used as informal public open space with seating and planting.

"Re-orientated the dwelling to the west of the central access road as part of creating the public open space area and a proposed raised table highway design with enhanced materials adjacent to the new area of public open space to create a different feel within the central area. The end of the junction also includes a small landscaped area to enhance the public realm. The development fronting Ludlow Road has been re-designed.

"The agent states this has been done in consultation with Bridgnorth Town Council who were met on site along with some neighbours who were interested on the day. The key element of the re-design here has been to re-arrange the access arrangements to allow for a greener and higher quality frontage onto Ludlow Road to reflect neighbouring properties. The dwellings have also

been pushed further back into the site."

The premises were formerly the offices of Bridgnorth District Council until Shropshire Council was formed 12 years ago and the site was subsequently closed.

However, six years ago Shropshire Council revealed that it intended to sell the building. this resulted in campaigners at Bridgnorth Community Group launching a bid to have it listed as a community asset so that it could be retained for employment, recreation and community usage – but that application was rejected.

Plans for West Mercia Police to use it as a base following the closure of Bridgnorth Police Station two years ago were dropped when it was decided to re-open the station.

The housing association had hoped to purchase both the Westgate council offices and the police station to build 41 homes, but the number of dwellings has been reduced due to the police station no longer being included in the plans.

The planning committee is due to consider the new design on January 19.