PLANS have been submitted to extend a Stourbridge town centre building and turn it into five apartments.

London-based Dow Properties Limited has submitted the application to convert the first floor of the property, on the corner of Foster Street, and build a two-storey roof extension to create five apartments.

The properties would be mostly one-bedroom plus a two-bedroom apartment, a design and access statement says.

It adds that planning permission was granted in June 2020 for the building of an additional floor and conversion to create four apartments but a further application to convert the first floor and build a two-storey roof extension to provide six apartments was withdrawn in April 2023.

The statement says the plan would “maximise the potential of a vacant building in a highly sustainable location to create a safe and accessible residential environment for future occupants”.

It adds: “The ground floor commercial unit will operate independently, but with some minor alterations to the back of house to form the separate residents’ entrance.

“The new residential units will serve to activate and enliven the streetscape and create increased levels of passive surveillance over the public realm. Their occupation would also improve the appeal of the vacant commercial unit and help in securing a new tenant.

“The existing art deco façades are in a poor state of repair following a considerable period of neglect and lack of general maintenance.

The proposed roof extension would be sympathetic in design to the host building.

“The conversion would ensure the property continues to benefit from regular maintenance and cleaning through the management company.”

The development would not include parking, but the application says it is “highly accessible on foot, cycle and by public transport”.

Cycle storage would be provided to encourage use of bicycles and reduce residents’ reliance on public transport and private hire vehicles for short and avoidable journeys.