Latest student flats plan for Shrewsbury recommended for approval
A new four-storey building to include student accommodation, retail space and health or education services could be built in Shrewsbury town centre.
Shropshire Council has applied to build the scheme, which has been recommended for approval by planning officers, in Barker Street.
The authority originally submitted an application to use the whole building as student accommodation but said the take-up was not what they expected.
A statement from AHR Architects said: "Shropshire Council therefore propose changing the use of the second block to office use and to delay construction of the third block until further notice.
"Due to both shortage of student numbers and a desire to attract commercial income from the site, Shropshire Council propose to introduce retail accommodation into the ground floor facing on to the street."
Planning officer Jane Raymond said the scheme makes good use of a brownfield site and recommended planning permission be granted.
She added: "It is considered that the proposed scale, design and layout of the buildings now proposed is acceptable and would enhance the character and appearance of this part of Shrewsbury Conservation area and would have no harmful impact on the setting of nearby listed buildings."
Members of the central planning committee will discuss the plans at a meeting on February 15.
They will also consider Sports Direct's proposals to build a new store on the Meole Brace Retail Park and plans for 600 homes at Weir Hill in Shrewsbury.
Both applications have been before the committee before but were deferred for further information to be provided.
