PLAN FOR 4 NEW TOWN CENTRE FLATS DISCUSSED BY BRIGG COUNCILLORS

Brigg Town Council is supporting a scheme for new apartments within the town centre but some concerns have been expressed about a potential increase in the number of vehicles entering the pedestrian area as a result of this development.
An application has been submitted to convert and change the use of the upper and second floor to form four residential apartments and upgrade rear parking area at 27 Market Place (the former HSBC bank premises near the stone archway - pictured above on the right). 
This is a resubmission of a previous application submitted in 2015.
Councillor Jane Kitching told the Planning & Environment Committee, meeting in the Angel Suite, that she was pleased about the conversion scheme but expressed concerns about traffic crossing the Market Place to gain access to, and leave, the site with residents' parking to the rear.
She wondered whether some sort of time limit might possibly be set for this.
Brigg Town Council has now passed on its views to North Lincolnshire Council planners who will decide whether to grant permission and if any conditions are required.
A statement submitted in support of the application says it is being made to renew planning permission granted in April 2016 which expires this year.
It says the applicant has actively marketed the property "with the benefit of these consents" and the continued commercial opportunity at ground floor level, but without success.
"Renewal of the permissions does add value to the property and the prospect of it being brought back into use," the statement adds.
The latest application "does not change any of the material details previously approved."
The scheme proposes to keep the former banking hall and associated office space in commercial use, with the upper floors converted to provide three one-bedroom flats and another with two bedrooms.
This property is grade two listed. External appearance of the building will not change as a consequence of the change of use, planners have been assured.
The applicant is Baddow Properties Ltd, of North Yorkshire.