A NEW planning application has been submitted by the owners of Tricorn House. 

New owners Viladnik Holdings Ltd have asked for planning permission from Stroud District Council to build a bat shed, external alterations plus a new glazed entrance canopy. 

The work includes the installation of new windows and doors in the four-storey building, which is currently vacant.

Also proposed is a bat box which would resemble a "small wooden shed" and be "insulated" as a way to encourage bat mitigation.

The planning application - which was submitted on Wednesday, January 25 - also shows floor plans which reveal one bedroom and studio flats with living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms. 

The site was previously granted planning permission for a change of use to 44 flats in 2020. 

Stroud News and Journal:

Planners say they believe their proposals would “improve the appearance of the building” and “thereby of views into and out of the neighbouring Conservation Area.”

A council document reads: “In terms of its current condition the building has fallen into a state of disrepair due to being vacant for many years.

“The application site forms a ‘brutalist’ and relatively modern building within this more historic area.

“The building is in desperate need of a physical upgrade and whilst it has the benefit residential consent does not permit external alterations.

“The proposed development would avoid any adverse impacts upon the amenities of neighbouring properties or land uses or indeed in terms of any matters of ecology.” 

Stroud News and Journal: A photo of some of the proposed works in the planning application A photo of some of the proposed works in the planning application (Image: Viladnik Holdings Ltd)

Plans had previously been made to turn the concrete building into an HQ for Ecotricity and into a nursing home but nothing came to fruition.

Previously Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie issued a statement in October last year saying Tricorn House had been sold to a new owner. 

In June last year she issued a statement in Parliament saying she would be happy to press the demolition button for Tricorn House herself.

Stroud News and Journal: A photo of Tricorn House in the planning application A photo of Tricorn House in the planning application (Image: Viladnik Holdings Ltd)

“We are blessed with beautiful old mills that represent our industrial history in Stroud, but also blighted with some really ugly buildings - including Tricorn House, which has dogged our area for decades,” she said. 

"Very sadly, a young boy lost his life at the property, so we feel very passionately that we want to see change there.

"I would be very happy to press the button, if I am allowed.”