New plan drawn up for Shrewsbury Stew building

The lease-holder of The Stew in Frankwell Quay has been seeking permission to convert the former riverside warehouse in to a habitable building for a number of years.

Plans have been back and fore between the developer, Gareth Leese and planning chiefs at the council with no resolution.

Last year he submitted plans for a development of flats, a spa and a cafe.

But objections were raised regarding the visual aspect of the design with many saying the proposed futuristic roof was out of keeping in a conservation area and would harm the historical heritage of the building.

Now Mr Leese has worked with a leading Shrewsbury architectural firm to come up with a compromise and new designs have been submitted to Shropshire Council's planning department.

Balance

Jonathan Davies, associate at Base Architecture & Design, said: “We believe the revised plan strikes an appropriate balance between design, sustainability and conservation and allows The Stew to retain its historical identity and relevance.

“It conserves and restores the majority of The Stew whilst creating an innovative and sustainable building that will have a positive impact on the area.”

Mr Leese added: “We very much hope the new proposals meet with approval as it is simply not sustainable to preserve The Stew in its current and dilapidated form.

“The additional floor area required will be sited to the east of the building and allows the original roof geometry to be viewed from the south, west and north therefore maintaining the current vista.

“Our wish has always been to give The Stew a new lease of life that will enhance the environment and economy of Frankwell and the wider area and we are sure this new plan is the way to do it.”

Shrewsbury Civic Society has objected to previous schemes put forward by Mr Leese.

Previous suggestions for the building, which dates back to the 18th century, had included a boutique hotel with a swimming pool.