Redevelopment of Bromsgrove High Street shops given thumbs up

At a planning committed meeting on December 6, councillors approved proposals to turn the former Dorothy Perkins/Burton as well as M&Co on High Street into apartments and shops.

The space is set to be transformed into eight small retail units and nine apartments on the first and second floors.

M&Co will be sub-divided whilst the size of Dorothy Perkins/Burton will be reduced to create an inner courtyard where additional units will be formed.

Currently access to both retail units is from Bromsgrove High Street with the ground floor of each being used as sales floor area and the first floor of each unit as a mix of further retail, storerooms, and ancillary accommodation.

The space is set to be transformed into eight retail units and nine apartments. Image/ Google Maps.

The apartments, which include six one bedroom and three two-bedroom flats, will be set around the open courtyard which is set to be accessed via Market Street.

The applicant, Mr John Lawson of Finepoint Limited, has significantly changed the design of the plans after discussion with several consultees.

Originally the application sought permission to change the buildings into 17 apartments and four retail units.

The design and heritage statement says the change in plans will allow flexibility.

CGI image of inner courtyard.

The document states: “The changes will add a new dimension to the retail area of Bromsgrove Town Centre, adding smaller retail units for start-up companies, but also allowing the flexibility within the layout to form larger units of required.

“The reduction in density of residential units will also benefit those who reside within the development.”

The current goods yard at the rear of the site is to be converted into an additional amenity space accommodating covered refuse and cycle stores.

Councillors approved the condition that no apartments shall be lived in until secure cycle parking is installed.