Green light for seven new flats in former offices in Dursley

Developer Clipper Properties applied for planning permission to Stroud District Council in June to convert several first-floor offices in Parsonage Street into seven one-bedroom apartments.

The scheme is located above several businesses in the town centre, including Ginn's Framing, The Classic Barbershop, Dursley Funeral Directors, Gravity Fish and Chips, and the unit where First Class All Sorts was based.

The former offices were used by Barclays until its closure in November 2018. 

Under the plans, a section of the first floor will be extended to make room for seven one-bedroom flats each with a kitchen, living room area. 

In addition, Clipper say they plan to divide up the parking area in Castle Street into 12 allocated spaces for apartments and ground floor shops.

A space for bikes and bin storage will be built. Meanwhile, the extractor flue from the chip shop will also be moved.

An artist's impression of the development in Parsonage Street (Image: Clipper Properties)

The old first floor office block in Parsonage Street was previously described by planners as an eyesore (Image: Clipper Properties)

There were three comments in support of the application stating the scheme would provide much needed accommodation. 

Meanwhile, one resident objected to the scheme, stating the proposal was ‘architecturally lacklustre’. 

Concerns were also raised by Dursley Town Council who said they were concerned over the loss of a potential employment space on the high street. 

They also stated the development “would not enhance or improve the appearance of the site.”

The application was officially approved by Stroud District Council earlier this month on September 12. 

Clipper Properties director Steve Lipfriend said: "The first floor offices have been unused for over five years so we are delighted to be able to now create much needed homes in the heart of the town.” 

Clipper have confirmed that these will be available for people to rent on completion of the works. 

It's hoped that works will commence prior to Christmas with the flats being ready for new tenants to move in by early summer 2024.

The firm previously redeveloped Apsley House in Long Street to provide four new cottages plus five flats in the listed main building. 

They also purchased the former TSB bank in Parsonage Street which now houses the newly extended Longfield Hospice charity shop and two further commercial tenants.

To view the approved application quote S.23/1122/FUL or see tinyurl.com/kb4ud774

Another artist's impression of the scheme (Image: Clipper Properties)