A PLAN has been submitted to turn a four-storey property in Worcester Street, Stourbridge, into five apartments.

An application lodged with Dudley Council’s planning department seeks permission to convert number 46 Worcester Street into five new one and two-bedroom apartments and separate studio office accommodation.

A design and access statement says the plan is to create five new apartments with a one-bed unit in the basement and on the ground floor level, a two-bed unit on the first floor and two duplex apartments with two bedrooms on the second floor and loft level.

An external store would be converted into a small studio office with storage and WC accommodation within the basement.

The design and access statement, by Form Architecture, states: “The scheme will provide high-quality accommodation to couples and small families.

“The studio office will provide a space for a small business/sole trader such as a local artist, designer or craftsperson.

“The scheme will also allow for the existing structure to be renovated, with the elevation looking onto Worcester Street being comprehensively cleaned and improved.”

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It says the building, known as the home of wholesale electrical retailer Fellows and Fullwood Ltd, is currently in a “poor state of repair” with significant works required internally to bring it up to current standards.

The document adds: “The proposed scheme will renovate a prominent building on a main access route into Stourbridge and provide much-needed accommodation for small families and couples who would like to make the town their home.

“The proposed accommodation is spacious and will be constructed to the newest version of the regulations, so will be both energy efficient and well ventilated to ensure that the residents have a high-quality environment.

“The studio office will allow a local small business/sole trader to rent a low-cost area to work from, with the new residents of the adjacent building being given the option to include the studio as part of their rental agreement.”