Plans have been lodged to create more flats within a well known Chester city centre building by adding a two storey roof extension.
Earlier this year a permitted development order was granted to convert the first and second floors of Royal House, Upper Northgate Street, from offices into 16 apartments.
With eight flats on each floor, the proposal included seven car parking spaces and 16 cycle racks.
The application excluded the ground floor occupied by the office of Fresh Student Living, a student accommodation provider and what was Virtual Reality Escapes.
Now building owners Columbia Threadneedle Investments has lodged a planning application for a two storey roof extension – adding another eight units and making a total of 24 one and two-bedroom apartments aimed at students and young professionals.
A document accompanying the latest plan states: “The proposed extension accommodates another two storeys; each with 2 one-bedroom apartments and 2 two-bedroom apartments. Each apartment includes a bathroom and an open plan space with kitchen, living and dining zones.”
Given its city centre location, the developers propose no on-site outdoor space for residents.
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The document continues: “The proposed development is for a five-storey building, which does not exceed the height of the many of the surrounding buildings and does not change the skyline. Opposite the site Sumner House, a student accommodation provider, is five storeys high whilst neighbouring Fountain Health, on Delamere Street, is also five storeys high.
“Royal House is close to city centre services and amenities, the university as well as many public transport links. Car parking will be catered for by the existing facilities on site.”
A decision is awaited from Cheshire West and Chester Council planning authority.
The conversion of former city centre offices into apartments and hotels has been ongoing for a few years now.
