Plans approved to convert offices in Wrexham city centre into HMO

Plans to turn offices in Wrexham city centre into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) have been given the go ahead

Proposals to convert the first and second floors of a building on King Street into six bedrooms were submitted in March.

The ground floor of the property opposite Wrexham’s bus station is currently empty, but was most recently used by an accountancy firm.

Applicants Passive Properties Ltd said the use of the ground floor as an office would be kept the same under the plans.

The building is Grade II-listed as one of a terrace of seven shops which formed part of the original development of King Street.

The road is said to have been the first residential street formally laid out in Wrexham in 1828.

A notice on the Wrexham Council website shows the application has now been approved.

In a planning statement, agents acting on behalf of the developers said the HMO would be ideally located for residents.

They said: “The proposed site is situated within a mixed-use area in Wrexham town centre.

“The building to be redeveloped is currently empty, its last use was by an accountancy firm offering professional services.

“The change of use involves retaining the ground floor as an office and converting their remaining space on the upper floors into residential, which would be used as a house of multiple occupancy.

“Numerous shops, restaurants and public spaces are within close walking distance with amenities to suit the proposals already existing or being developed nearby.

“The proposed development positively utilises a vacant space within an already established area, making use of a redundant building within the city and providing much needed housing.”

The proposals will see four double bedrooms and two single bedrooms created, with a shared kitchen area on the ground floor.

Bin and bike storage areas will also be provided as part of the development, with two parking spaces located behind the property.

The local authority’s website shows the plans were approved under delegated powers given to officers to decide on minor applications.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter