Flats plan for centre of Ross

A four-storey block of flats could be built in the middle of Ross-on-Wye if a developer’s bid is successful.

The proposal is for 2-5 High Street (also given as 2-5 Market Square), immediately beside the town’s historic grade II*-listed Market House.

It would leave the existing red-brick front of the High Street “relatively unchanged”, with the existing shop premises refurbished and the upper floors extended and made into flats.

The roof level on either side of the central four-storey section would be raised, and a section of the existing roof would be replaced by a new “roof garden and terraced area”.

Behind this, a modern four-storey block would be built within the existing property footprint, housing five of the proposed flats, the application says.

In all, the development would comprise 10 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom flats, all to be sold at market rate.

The proposal “would regenerate a site which is currently partly vacant and is serving no useful purpose, in addition to introducing a building of high design and architectural merit into the Ross-on-Wye conservation area”, it says.

In doing so, it would “take maximum advantage of the site’s highly sustainable location… and make a modest contribution to addressing Hereford’s [sic] housing deficit”.

The current vehicle access from New Road, down a lane known as the Old Gaol, would be retained. The new block would have 11 new ground-level “undercroft” parking spaces in addition to the 10 already there. A secure cycle shed would be added.

The agent for the developer, S Andrews & Son of Pwllheli, said the proposal was in line with the Ross neighbourhood plan, approved last year, which invites “development of new housing in the town centre that respects local character, residential amenity and highway safety”.

Residents have until January 22 to comment on the application, under planning reference P214211.