Newport Street building will be knocked down to build flats

Permission has finally been given for the development of the former Fine Pine furniture shop in Newport Street, near the River Severn in Worcester.

Plans to replace the existing building with a block of six flats were knocked back by the city council in 2022, with planners calling the proposal “dull, dark and oppressive”.

And the government’s planning inspector agreed, saying the building would not provide enough natural light.

Fresh plans for four flats with a commercial unit on the ground floor were submitted last year, with architect Nick Carroll saying the plan would “enhance and bring viability” to the building.

The site is close to the river in Worcester (Image: Nick Carroll Architects)

Mr Carroll said the aim was to create a “liveable, functional space that serves the community’s needs”.

“The plans have been revised to tackle the issues raised by the Inspector during the previous appeal,” the planning statement said.

“One notable change is the addition of an engaging and lively façade facing Newport Street, featuring multiple openings.

“Additionally, improvements have been made to enhance the amount of natural light that enters each apartment, which will improve the overall living experience for future residents.

“These larger openings also blend better with the nearby architectural style.”

Views of the current building in Newport Street (Image: Nick Carroll Architects)

There will be two flats on each of the first and second floors of the building, with the windows onto Newport Street angled so they don’t overlook neighbouring flats but instead offer views of All Saints Church.

The flats will also have balconies on the side of the three-storey building.

On the ground floor will be a commercial space with a glazed front - this will include storage, a kitchenette and toilets.

No car parking spaces are being created “due to the size and location of the building”.

A detailed flood risk assessment shows the building sits just outside of the Environment Agency’s flood warning and flood alert areas, with both coming within metres of the site.

* A previous version of this story included pictures of the previous design for the new building.