FRESH plans to convert an Ellesmere building into flats have been submitted to Shropshire Council.

The application for the rear of Ivy House, in Scotland Street, is for six flats -­ two fewer than the previous application for eight apartments which was withdrawn in April, this year.

Planners Chartland Developments Ltd, from Oswestry, are seeking permission for four one-bedroom and two two-bedroom flats with 10 parking spaces.

"The proposal is for full planning permission for the construction of six number flats with associated parking," said a design and access statement.

"The application is submitted following the withdrawal of a similar application for eight flats that was withdrawn.

"As part of the Wharf and Tesco development the former Brett and Collins garage was demolished to create the new access now known as Canal Way.

"This has opened up the land to the rear of Ivy House that was previously obscured by the garage buildings.

"The rear elevation of Ivy House is now highly visible but is unattractive including some unsympathetic alterations.

"The proposed scheme will provide screening from the highway while providing an attractive building in its own right.”

The application notes that the site is within the town’s conservation area.

It adds: "There is little of any architectural interest in the immediate vicinity of the site.

"Berwyn View and Laurels Close are both recent developments that can provide no inspiration for the proposed development.

"The Hollies opposite is a listed house that is so curiously unique that it would be wrong to try and replicate.

"A local assessment was therefore extended further into the town, in particular the more interesting streets such as Church Street, Watergate Street and Willow Street.

"A common factor of these streets and Ellesmere generally is the piecemeal development characterised by the mix of styles of properties often side by side with each other.

"In particular there are numerous imposing three storey Georgian or Victorian properties immediately adjoining much lower two storey Victorian or later cottages."

The developers believe the new plans will fit in with the town's environment of multiple styles, and will help improve the town too.

For more information, head to https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications and search 21/00746/FUL.