Commercial property could be turned into a new home

PROPOSALS have been put forward for a house of multiple occupation in Leek’s main shopping street.

A planning application has been submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to turn the upper floor of 7 Derby Street into a five-bed HMO.

The building is located near the top of Derby Street in an area of mixed uses including residential and commercial units.

A Heritage Statement submitted in support of the application said: “The property is on a parade of commercial units, two and three storey building with commercial unit on ground floor with residential or various other uses on upper floors.

“The building is set inside the Leek Conservation Area, the building does not benefit from being grade listed, there is nothing mentioned from records regarding any special architectural characteristics recorded under the conservation area notes.

“The proposal intends to provide new HMO residential units, the design also extends the functionality of the building whilst remaining within its footprint.” A HMO is a property shared by three or more unrelated people and are popular among students and young professionals.

According to the planning application, the proposed alterations and the enhancements to the building “will bring new life into the building” and “provide wider uses which are considered to be a welcome improvement to the Conservation Area without detrimental impact”.

A decision is expected by planners within the next eight weeks.