20 new homes in town if building demolition plans approved

Wednesday 11 January 2023

Five buildings between Great Union Road and Devonshire Lane will be demolished to make way for 20 apartments, if Planning approves.

Submitted by MS Planning on behalf of developer Hebden Ltd, the proposals seek to scrap 9 Great Union Road, 1-3 Devonshire Lane and Belize Cottage in order to construct two commercial units and 20 apartments.

According to documents submitted as part of the planning application, existing buildings, which are currently used for commercial purposes, are in state of disrepair with evidence of damp, rotting and leaks.

A structural assessment stated that it is likely that aspects of the current buildings do not meet structural or insulation requirements. 

Pictured: The roof plan for the upcoming development.

Having concluded that the buildings are coming to the end of their lifespans, developers say they are therefore seeking a fresh start, rather than a refurbishment, for which planning approval was granted in 2020.

 Of the 20 proposed new open-market apartments, 12 will be two-bedroom flats and eight will be one-bedroom flats.

The two commercial units will be used as small office spaces to encourage small businesses. 

Pictured: A digital representation of the planned development, as viewed from Great Union Road.

The proposed development will be up to four storeys high, which is higher than the existing structures, but in line with the nearby David Moon apartments.

Neighbouring residents have been consulted by the developers, and have not issued any objections to the plans thus far.

If planning permission is granted, the work is estimated to take between 18 months and three years.