CONSENT is being sought to convert former office premises in a barn conversion at Appleton into six two-bedroomed apartments.
Applicant Mr M Einollahi is seeking prior approval request for the change of use of the existing Class E office and workshop building at The Mews, Burley Heyes Estate Arley Road, Appleton, which has been empty for three years, to six dwellings.
Planning consultant John Groves (Groves Town Planning) says the change of use is possible with minimal external alteration of the building. The design of the proposed development utilises existing window and door openings.
In a number of cases, openings that have previously been bricked up can be reopened and utilised to light and serve the new residential units. First-floor accommodation will also be served by existing skylights.
All habitable rooms within the development are lit by natural light. The development has been designed to take into account all requirements under the Building Regulations in terms of lighting, means of escape and insulation.
Previous use of the space as office accommodation means that light and insulation has already been provided.
The proposed development will use existing areas of hard standing to provide car parking. The courtyard area will be redesigned and laid out to provide amenity space for the new dwellings.
The office business in the connected element of the original barn will continue to be serviced via its own car parking area to the south of that part of the building.
The neighbouring building contains a private gym used for personal and small-group fitness training. This operation has access via the driveway which serves the proposed development. The scale and level of use of the gym does not result in a level of activity that would in any way diminish levels of amenity expected by future occupiers of the proposed residential accommodation.
A delegated decision is pending consideration by Warrington Borough Council planners.
