A ground-floor shop in a prominent Grade II listed building on Radford Road in Leamington is set to be converted into two one-bedroom flats.

Located at the corner of Radford Road and Althorpe Street, the three-storey property sits within the Royal Leamington Spa Conservation Area and is recognised for its architectural and historic significance. 

The proposal involves minimal structural changes in order to preserve the building's heritage.

The planning application states the work will include "minimal structural changes to maintain historical and architectural integrity," "side double doors removed, opening partly bricked up and replaced with a sash window," "basement to be cleared and preserved but left vacant," and "refuse facilities to remain as for existing flats."

Also, the shopfront is to be replaced with a bay window similar to the neighbouring property (4 Radford Road), the shop entrance to be blocked and rendered to match existing wall finish and "fascia removed and pilaster extended to the ground to enhance aesthetics and strengthen the visual appearance at a key junction."

"The proposal seeks to enhance the appearance of the building while maintaining its heritage value."

Permission was previously granted for external and internal alterations to be made to facilitate the conversion of the ground floor from retail to two, one bedroom flats, last year.

Permission was previously granted for external and internal alterations to be made to facilitate the conversion of the ground floor from retail to two, one bedroom flats, last year (image via planning application)

Officials from the District Conservation Team, and Environmental Health raised no objections to the plans, with Leamington Spa Town Council providing no comments.

One public objection was submitted, citing ongoing concerns about refuse management at adjacent properties. 

The objector called for assurances that the new flats would not worsen existing waste issues.

Despite this, planning officers concluded that the development would not harm the listed building or negatively impact neighbours. 

The former ground-floor shop in a prominent Grade II listed building on Radford Road, Leamington Spa (image via planning application)

WDC concluded: "The proposal is considered acceptable in principle. 

"The proposed development is not considered to cause harm to the Listed Building. 

"In addition, the proposals are not considered to have a harmful impact upon the amenity of the neighbouring properties in relation to outlook and amenity.

"The proposals are in accordance with the aforementioned policies and it is therefore recommended for approval."

The renovation is expected to improve the appearance of a visually important junction within the conservation area, transforming a long-vacant shop unit into much-needed residential accommodation.

View the full planning application here.