The floors above a city centre charity shop could soon be converted into flats under new plans.

A planning application has been submitted to Worcester City Council asking for permission to turn the empty floors above Barnado’s in Mealcheapen Street, Worcester, into four new flats.

The upper floors above the city centre charity shop would be converted into the new flats as part of plans by Can Building Services with the ground floor remaining as a retail unit.

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The grade II listed building is believed to date back to 1748 and was one of several to survive a fire in 1765 which destroyed buildings in other parts of Mealcheapen Street – but most of the original features on the ground and first floors have mostly vanished.

The planning application said building the new flats would have a “very limited impact” on the listed building and the “ultimate intention [was] to safeguard the fabric of the building and bring vitality into Mealcheapen Street.”

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The age and history of the building mean that listed building consent is also required from the city council to carry out the work.

Most of the building is said to be in ‘good order’ and has been “generally well maintained.”

A statement by Nick Carroll Architect on behalf of the applicant said: “The proposed design of the re-use of the listed building makes use of the existing internal layout with minimal alterations. Otherwise, the external appearance and character of the building remains unchanged.

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“The proposed design creates mixed use repurposing of empty unused space bringing additional footfall and life to Mealcheapen Street whilst at the same time safeguarding the heritage asset.

“It will remain in commercial use on the ground floor with residential units to the upper floors which will be split into four apartments.

“The new proposed building comprises four residential units with direct access off Mealcheapen Street. The design does not affect the external character of the building or its setting.”

You can view the plans by visiting Worcester City Council’s website.

The application number is 23/00669/FUL and the consultation ends on August 31.