A NEW planning application has been put forward to turn Whitchurch's former Poundstretcher store into a shopping arcade and flats – months after previous plans were withdrawn.

The applicant, Russell Harrison, hopes provide a retail arcade on the ground floor of the High Street unit, with apartments on the existing first floor and a two-storey extension to the rear of the site.

In December 2021, Mr Harrison put forward an application to create a retail arcade of seven units and 17 residential apartments, including a rooftop extension and a three-storey extension to the rear, but those plans were withdrawn in February this year.

A supporting planning statement was prepared by D5 Planning Town Planning Consultants and it said the new plan addresses concerns from the previous application.

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The statement adds: "By way of background, an earlier application was submitted in 2021 for 17 residential apartments.

"This application was withdrawn following officer concerns about the scale of the rear extension and extension over the existing unit being too large, and may result in overshadowing of neighbours.

"Other issues raised related to lack of natural daylight to units, concern about the detailing of the new shop front and the facade treatment of the extension.

"This revised application addresses officer concerns with a reduced scheme and amended design."

There are currently no comments at the moment from neither Whitchurch Town Council or members of the public, but Shropshire Council Waste Management has responded saying people need to think about large vehicles.

The response said: "It is vital new homes have adequate storage space to contain wastes for a fortnightly collection.

"An option for residents to have wheelie bins for recycling has been added to the service in 2022.

"Also crucial is that they have regard for the large vehicles utilised for collecting waste and that the highway specification is suitable to facilitate the safe and efficient collection of waste.

"Any access roads, bridges or ramps need to be capable of supporting our larger vehicles which have a gross weight of 32 tonnes and minimum single axle loading of 11 tonnes."

Whitchurch Town Council and some residents objected to the previous plan put forward in December 2021 and gave a number of reasons for their objections.

The council's response said: "Whitchurch Town Council objects to the development because it is not sympathetic to the character of its surroundings, would increase traffic congestion, deprive neighbouring properties of light.

"It would also exacerbate parking issues and negatively impact upon the historical context of adjacent listed buildings."

You can find out more about the current application via Shropshire Council and the reference is 22/03724/FUL.