Flats plan for Walsall shop approved

Developer Henry Joseph will convert the upper floors of the unit, based in Park Street, into the two-bedroom properties after securing permission from Walsall Council.

The shop was previously occupied by Linens Direct but has lain empty on the struggling high street for a number of years now.

In March, permission was granted to change the use of the shop into a restaurant and the applicants said efforts were being made to find a new tenant.

Previously, the upper floors have been used as offices and storage but the applicants said having residents move in would provide a boost for the town centre economy.

Agents EA Planning said: “The ground floor retail unit which was most recently occupied by ‘Linens Direct’, has been vacant for several years.

“An approval has been granted for the change of use at ground floor level and marketing efforts continue to find a suitable tenant.

“This application is part of a wider scheme to bring the whole of the property into good effective use.

“The upper floors were previously used as ancillary office and storage space for the retail unit on the ground floor.

“The ground floor unit’s retail area is very large for a store of this size and it is therefore considered that any storage space or ancillary office space/staff facilities can be easily relocated to the rear of the ground floor unit without detracting from the retail units offer.

“The proposed conversion to flats will have the added advantage of bringing more footfall to the declining high street location thereby contribute to its continued vibrancy.”

They added: “The additional flats in this central location will contribute positively to the sustainability and economic viability of the town centre and will contribute positively to the housing mix in the area.”