Flats could be built above carpet shop
MORE homes could be added to a rapidly-expanding area of Hinckley town centre.
Plans have been filed with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to build nine flats behind and above North Wilshire Carpets, in George Street, with the apartments to be built across three floors.
The shop floor would remain in place, with one two-bedroom flat built on the ground floor, to the rear of the shop.
Three one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats would be built on the first floor, with another two-bedroom flat on the second floor.
Each of the flats on the two upper floors would have a living room with windows overlooking George Street.
The flats would be accessed from the rear of the building, with a 15-space bicycle rack to be installed for residents in a communal hall inside the building.
The planning application, filed by Ms M Sykes, is for a change of use, from commercial to residential, to allow for the space to be renovated into properties.
A design statement sent in with the plans said: “The proposals seek to bring under utilised parts of the building into use whilst retaining the commercial function offered by the retail spaces.
“The application for housing provides the opportunity for people to live in the town centre with a range of housing types available.
“This has many economic benefits to the town centre.
“There are public transport links as well as public car parks nearby, and as such the development is considered to be sustainable.”
Just around the corner from George Street, on Horsefair, plans were recently approved for the former St George’s Ballroom to be converted into a complex of 44 flats, with part of the building to be seven storeys high.
The development will include 18 single bedroom, 24 two-bedroom and two three-bedroom flats, along with roof terraces and shared gardens.