Flats plan for former Leominster bank building

The upstairs of a prominent Herefordshire bank building could be turned into four new flats under a newly submitted plan.

The application for change of use of the former Barclays Bank building at 7 The Buttercross, Leominster has put forward by a Mr Rand of London-registered company Bourneheights.

It is made under recently introduced “permitted development rights”, which allow commercial premises in England to be converted into homes without the need for full planning permission.

Though in a classical style and within the town’s conservation area, the building is relatively modern and is not listed.

Each of the four self-contained flats would cover 50-55 square metres, with a single bedroom, bathroom and open-plan kitchen and living space, all naturally lit from existing windows.

The second floor previously housed offices belonging to the bank, which relocated to a smaller premises on nearby Corn Street in 2018.

Barclays has since announced this branch will close on September 1.

Comments on the conversion application, numbered 231673, can be made until June 22.