Empty offices in Evesham to become flats and yoga studio

Plans to transform the first and second floors of 52-56 High Street have been approved by Wychavon District Council.

The ground floor of the building, which is currently occupied by An’s Nails and Spa, Tequila and Lime Bar and Restaurant, and Excel News, is not part of the application.

The plan is to create seven flats on the first floor plus a yoga room, and a further seven flats on the second floor.

Ten of the flats will be one-bedroom or studio apartments and the other four will be two-bed flats.

The developer, in a statement submitted as part of the planning application, said environmentally friendly materials will be used throughout the build and designs will “make the most of the available sunlight”.

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Bicycle storage will be provided but off-street car parking won’t.

“However, the application site lies within the town centre of Evesham, in a highly sustainable location with access to services, facilities and public transport,” district planners say in their decision notice.

“A further factor to be taken into account is the former use of the building as offices and the associated vehicular movements associated with that use.”

County highways said the plans would not impact on highway safety and offered no objection.

Planning officers said: “The development would contribute to housing need and towards economic and social benefits in terms of short-term construction jobs and longer term gains associated with the site being within the development boundary.

“With regard to environmental objectives, the proposal would safeguard the character of the conservation area and nearby listed buildings.

“The proposal largely relates to internal works only. The amenity of future occupiers would be safeguarded by the design of the development and a satisfactory living environment would be provided.”