Offices in Lichfield city centre could be converted into apartments if plans are given the green light.
Proposals have been drawn up to convert Chancery House on Lombard Street into four new homes.
The building is currently occupied by Adcocks Solicitors, but a planning statement said the company was moving to a new base within the city.
“The existing office space is primarily made up of small rooms, all accessed via corridors which is not conducive for modern working.
“The building has constrained sanitary and kitchen facilities and does not provide for an attractive working environment, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic where ventilation and non- constrained workspaces has become more important.
“The current occupiers – Adcocks Solicitors – are seeking to move to new, modern office premises with Lichfield city centre and therefore are proposing the change of use of the building to form four apartments.”
Planning statement
The proposals would see two one bedroom apartments and two two bedroom properties.
The plans said the site was “not an attractive proposition for commercial occupiers”.
“The most logical solution is therefore to convert the building to flats.
“The type of accommodation proposed as part of this scheme is therefore in line with projected population and household growth, as well as the Government’s initiative to boost housing growth nationwide.
“The apartments are set within a highly sustainable city centre location close to facilities and services, and employment opportunities for future residents.”
Planning statement
Full details of the proposals can be seen on Lichfield District Council’s planning website.
It would be nice if the owners of this fairly modern building would just come out and say they could make more money by converting this office facility into housing. This is, after all, a desirable city centre location. Instead we have the usual diatribe of how useless it is and poorly designed for it is present use, even bringing Covid into the equation.
It probably won’t be long before there is more planning applications to meet the lack of office accommodation in the city.
Make them suitable for first time buyers NOT more pensioner housing
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We could really do with some retirement flats. Fingers crossed.
Would there be any chance these could be ring fenced for younger people who are severely lacking in housing opportunities in Lichfield City Centre?
More homes for the rich, where are the doctors, or car parking for Al, the new people heading for the village of Lichfield, it has no right to be called a city
And where are the occupants of these flats going to park their cars? Residential properties without parking facilities are already the bain of our estates, leading to cars littering the side streets. This is due to the twin factors of there being too many cars, and developers being allowed to build properties with no parking provision. Where they exist, garages are only a token effort, and far too small for modern cars.
No doubt we can get another 4 households of elderly residents in there
John Allen – I live very close to this building, and I can confirm that there is already parking available for the Adcocks staff – I estimate that there is space for about six cars.
Simon and John Pullen – I would also like to see these new housing units made affordable and available to younger residents.
It is not possible for the council to ringfence properties. What will possibly happen here (if plans are approved) is that buy to let will snap them up.
There is still money to be made from property. With bank interest so low it is still a good prospect. New builds in Upper St. John Street were sold for £200,000. One is now on offer as resale at £290,000. Not bad for a five year investment, and why lower value properties are being used as an investment oppertunity.
Governments can impose restrictions…… but not if they favour capitalism over all other considerations. Whether we like it or not there is a substantial number of people and families who have to be supported. I don’t think we have an answer to that.
@John Allen. Surely they’ll retain the existing car park which I would estimate would have space for about a dozen cars. As long as these don’t go for elderly flats then I think this is a good idea. Repurposing of a building to help meet local demand for small residential property can only be a good thing.
Stephen- what are you on about? More homes for the rich. How may rich people do you know that want to live in small two bed flats in a refurbished office block? Too much xmas sherry?
I know many Small Families that would love to live in 2 Bedded Small apartments.. Are these properties for Rental or Purchase either way bet pricey?