Will it be third time lucky for derelict block?
PlaN to turN fire-hit offices iNto 14 villaGe ceNtre flats
A FIRE-hit former office block that has stood empty for many years could be turned into 14 flats.
Island House in Barwell was previously home to Arden Direct Marketing but has been vacant since a blaze in December 2012.
The proposed complex in Arthur Street will include 10 single-bedroom homes and four two-bedroom apartments.
The properties will be mostly two-storey, with part of the design that faces King Street to include a three-storey element.
Courtyard parking would be created on site, with access from King Street.
It is the third time that plans have been put forward to redevelop the premises since the blaze.
Plans were approved in June last year to convert the block into 15 flats, but this scheme was withdrawn.
Permission was also granted in 2013 to demolish the block and build 13 units.
A planning statement filed with the new application, made in the name of Nigel Dutton, said: “Each unit has been carefully designed to provide a footprint that is accessible from both the front and rear via the footpath connections.
“The rear access will be used primarily by residents, whereas the front door will provide a more suitable means of access for deliveries, postmen and the like.
“All of the apartments will have independent access.
“The front doors will be facing the street and there will also be rear access from the car park areas and dedicated parking spaces within the building footprint and externally on the site.”
The proposal also sets out for the design to be in keeping with the building’s manufacturing history.
The statement said: “The appearance of the proposed dwellings is key to the built environment and conservation area.
“We seek to retain the Victorian industrial aesthetics by incorporating windows with arched brick headers and sills.
“Units that are positioned on the corners of the road are dualfronted to provide architectural interest, the break-in eaves and ridge lines further enhance this while retaining the strong dominant streetscape.”