PLANS have been put forward to convert an unused upper floor space into four apartments in Rhyl.

JPH Architects Ltd are the agent acting on behalf of the applicant for the development which includes four apartments, set to be created above Charisma Homeworld on 18-20 Queen Street.

The property has had many different uses. Most recently, it was used as a furniture shop [on the ground and upper floors].

A design and access statement into proposals says: "This proposal looks to convert the upper floor space into four self-contained apartments, whilst improving and investing the external fabric and rear yard of the building.

Rhyl Journal: Much of the exterior elevations to the rear of the property require refurbishment. Much of the exterior elevations to the rear of the property require refurbishment. (Image: Design and Access Statement / Planning Portal)

"The proposal looks to utilize the existing access of Queen street and bring back into use the upper floors."

The statement adds: "The design of the apartments have been arranged over two storeys to accommodate two two-bed and two one-bed apartments.

"The proposal removes the un-used and unsightly external stairs to the rear of 22-24.

"A new rear access to the courtyard is proposed from the apartments by a new internal corridor to provide safe means of escape and access.

"The existing courtyard is large enough to accommodate the additional refuge and secure bike storage.

"The location of the apartments is ideal and within close proximity to the promenade, town centre, cycle and public transport routes.

"Due to the nature of the site and the central location it is not possible to provide on– site parking.

"JPH Architects have created a scheme to interpret the client’s brief whilst being mindful of maintaining the external character of the building frontage.

"As noted, the property lies within a conservation area."

The apartments will not be classed as 'affordable housing'.

The statement said: "Due to the scale of the proposal and the resell values of the proposed development, we believe that the development costs will prohibit the future development of the site and therefore look to discuss this policy with the planning case office.

During the process of the recently approved scheme [45/2020/0877] a budget costing was prepared by: SP PROJECTS LTD. The result was that the requirement to provide affordable housing was not required due to the build costs making the development on the site difficult and non-profitable.

"As the timescales since the budget costing was carried out last year (April 8, 2022) there will be little difference is current build rates and the scope and scale of the work is of the same nature."