New flats plans for Hereford city centre

Two new flats could be created within a stone’s throw of Hereford Cathedral if a planning bid is successful.

The proposal by Mr A Walshe to convert the first and second floors of 8 King Street makes use of a recent change in planning law which allows offices and other commercial premises to be turned into homes without full planning permission.

Though lying within the city’s conservation area, the building itself is not listed. The upper floors were previously occupied by TA Matthews Solicitors, but have been vacant since 2012.

Covering 75 square metres, the first-floor flat would have two bedrooms, each with views onto King Street, with a living room and kitchen at the rear.

Extending over the arched vehicle entrance below, the larger second floor flat would have three bedrooms.

All habitable rooms would be lit by existing windows, and each flat would have one parking space.

The ground floor, currently occupied by an estate agent, Stooke, Hill & Walshe, would be unaffected, as would the exterior of the building.

Comments on the application, numbered 224173, can be made until January 12.