Go-ahead for student flats above betting shop in Wolverhampton city centre

The historic building, which occupies a prominent corner location, was originally the Talbot Hotel for many years before becoming Seamus O’Donnell’s pub in 2001.

The pub closed in 2008 and reopened for business as a bookmakers on the ground floor in 2010.

Both upper floors were previously used as two residential flats but have been empty for some time.

Plans will now see them turned into six single rooms with shared living areas, a kitchen, communal living room and two bathrooms.

A statement from Shaun Gill, of Dudley-based Concept Architectural Design, which has drawn up the plans for the conversion work, said: “The intention is to make the accommodation exclusive to students to avoid any potential conflict between mixed residents.

"The proposals will incur no elevational changes to the existing facade, other than making good the existing building.

“The building has a betting office ground floor which will be retained, and the upper floors will be converted from residential flats to student accommodation.

"A management plan will be prepared by the landlord and supplied to each student upon occupation.

"This will outline security, safety, appliance guides and rules for the premises to ensure all residents can reside there as safely as possible.

“This premises and location will offer good quality, affordable living accommodation for any students looking to live and study within the city centre.

"Due to the affluent location where employment and education are a stone’s throw from the site, it is anticipated that future residents will not require any form of transport and can instead benefit from walking to all local amenities and places of study.

“However, there are excellent transport links nearby with bus, train and Midland Metro stations all within walking distance. No parking is proposed for the site but CCTV will be installed.

“The existing building has three floors but this application only relates to the upper two floors. There is no proposal to increase the height of any part of the building.

"The upper floors also have a raised external area previously used as a rear patio by residents. This will be renovated and provide an outdoor seating area for students to enjoy.

“Access to the building will be via the existing entrance door, which will have a visitor door system with a vandal-resistant external panel linked to a camera.

"In conclusion, this conversion will not have any adverse effect on neighbouring premises in terms of design, size or positioning and provides a suitable, much-needed opportunity to restore the use of this building.”