Work finally starts on Stroud grot spot Tricorn House

The dilapidated Tricorn House building on the Cainscross roundabout has stood empty for over two decades.

However, work finally appears to be underway after construction signs appeared last week along with portable toilets and an area at the front was cordoned off. Lighting can also be seen inside the structure.

Planning permission to convert the building into 44 flats was granted in 2020.

Owners Viladnik Holdings Ltd has now submitted a new planning application to make some small changes.

This includes proposals to build a bat shed, external alterations plus a new glazed entrance canopy.

The application - which was submitted on Wednesday, January 25 and hasn't been approved yet - also shows floor plans which reveal one bedroom and studio flats with living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms.

There have been numerous plans over the years to redevelop the former Department of Social Security building including as a headquarters for Ecotricity and a nursing home - but none have come to fruition.

Commenting on signs of building work, a spokesperson for Stroud District Council said bringing the site back into use was a 'key priority'.

“We share the community’s concerns over the future of Tricorn House which has stood empty for more than 20 years,” they said.

“Bringing this site back into use is a key priority for the council.

READ MORE: Latest on plans for Tricorn House

“We have been working behind the scenes for many years to encourage the owner of Tricorn House to bring the site back into use.

“The new ownership of Tricorn House presents an opportunity to finally achieve that.

“We have been in contact with representatives of the new owners of Tricorn House to advise them on their plans for its redevelopment and we have encouraged them to share these plans with the wider community.

“There is already a planning authorisation in place for the site under permitted development right Class O.

“This allows the conversion of the former office building to 44 residential units.

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

“This type of permitted development proposal is not required to provide the level of detail normally expected with a full planning permission.

“The owners have recently submitted a planning application for some limited changes on the site, erection of a bat house and changes to the windows.

“We will continue to liaise with the new owner’s planning agent on the development plans and to work alongside key partners including Cainscross Town Council and MP Siobhan Baillie on this issue.”

The application is currently open for consultation and can be viewed at www.stroud.gov.uk/planning via S.23/0153/FUL.