PLANS to convert a former doctor's surgery into apartments have been submitted to Shropshire Council.

The applicant, RS Burgess & Sons, wants to convert 29 Dodington into apartments together with the re-use and reconfiguration of the associated former office units in the already converted adjoining stable block.

The plans were submitted to the unitary authority yesterday (Tuesday).

A design and access statement was prepared by ARH Architectural Design.

It said: "The building is a former Georgian townhouse situated inside the conservation area of Whitchurch.

"It is located in a predominantly residential part of town within the development boundary, thereby making it ideal for conversion into residential accommodation.

"Cherwell House on the other side of the junction, and 42 (Clifton House) and 44 Dodington to the north are all three-story Grade II-listed former townhouses which have been subdivided into apartments similar to the application proposals. 

"The former office accommodation in the adjacent stable block will be brought back into use for the owner’s own existing and longstanding local business."

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The design and access statement added: "The existing property occupies a corner plot on the junction of Rosemary Lane and Dodington.

"It is located in Whitchurch, a distinctive market town in north Shropshire which is identified as one of the 21 conservation areas in Shropshire.  

"Most of the listed buildings are in the town itself, and a high proportion are houses, shops, and public houses, the earliest of which are timber framed or have a timber framed core.

"As the alterations to the building are purely internal, they will not impact upon the character of the conservation area."

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The statement concluded: "There is a public benefit to securing the preservation of this heritage asset to restore an active use of the building without causing significant harm to its remaining architectural and historic interest.

"Change to the building is directed to internal alterations which will change the plan form through the introduction of stud walls, however, this approach will conserve and enhance the significance of the listed building by bringing it back into use. 

"It is felt there is a market for the proposal and it is hoped that it will deliver benefits which will continue to ensure the viability of this listed building by providing purpose and value to spaces which will become perpetually in demand where currently unused, in a popular location on the outskirts of town. 

"The proposal will not be detrimental to the originality of the listed building."