SALISBURY's former post office will turn into flats and shops, as plans have been approved for its redevelopment.
The building, on the corner of Castle Street and Chipper Lane, has been empty since the Post Office closed in March 2016.
An application was submitted in September 2023 to "enhance" the current site, which is made up of four buildings, two of which are listed.
To view the plans in full, click here.
The plans sought to change of use of numbers 24 to 28 and numbers 32 to 36, partly demolish number 30 and build a mixed-use development, providing 24 residential units of one and two bedroom flats, and shops on the ground floor.
READ MORE: Award-winning London bakery plans to open in former home goods shop
The grade II listed railings and telephone boxes which sit to the front of the site are unaffected by plans.
The planning officer recommended the proposals for approval, saying that proposals gave the grade II listed former post office at number 24 a "new lease of life", and the council has decide to give plans the go ahead.
The applicant has said: "The site is vacant, and the ambitious plans for the hotel have not come to fruition. The current scheme, therefore, represents a viable and deliverable way of redeveloping this site, ensuring the vibrancy and vitality of the city centre, whilst at the same time providing new homes and preserving the designated heritage assets.
"The proposed works are less intrusive and harmful than the previously approved scheme.
"The proposal would enhance neglected buildings. With boarded windows and a vacant disposition, the site does not currently contribute positively to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area."
Homes would not be deemed "affordable", the application says, under Core Policy 43.
The news comes after consent was granted in June 2009 for the change of use of 24 And 26 Castle Street and 1-11 Chipper Lane, and part demolition and a new build at 28-36 Castle Street to provide a 50-bed hotel, café/bar, restaurant and new post office. However, plans never went ahead.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel
You must verify your phone number before you can comment.
Please enter your phone number below, and a verification code will be sent to you by text message.
Please enter the six-digit verification code sent to you by SMS.
Your verification code has been sent a second time to the mobile phone number you provided.
Your verification code has been sent a third time to the mobile phone number you provided.
You have requested your verification code too many times. Please try again later.
Didn’t receive a code? Send it againThe code you entered has not been recognised.
Please try again
You have failed to enter a correct code after three attempts.
Please try again later.
Your phone number has been verified.
Your phone number has been stored with your account details. We will never use it for anything other than verifying that you are the legitimate owner of this account.