Highbridge’s last bank building is set to be turned into four flats if a planning application gets approval.
The former Nat West bank building in Huntspill Road closed down in the summer of 2014, as we reported here, and has been vacant ever since.
Now, a planning application has been submitted for a change of use of the property and the conversion of the ground floor to four flats.
The developer plans to create three one-bedroom flats and a single two-bedroom flat.
One nearby resident, who asked not to be named, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I’m pleased to see the premises being used – no-one wants it to stay empty, but it’s a huge shame that it won’t be for commercial use. More of Highbridge’s heritage – and job opportunities – are being lost.”
But Highbridge Chamber of Trade Chairman Mike Murphy added: “Many older buildngs need a lot of work doing to them before they can be used for residential use. The former Nat West building has been left unattended for a long time. If turning it into flats means it can be modernised and put to use again, then that’s good news. I’m pleased to see this application.”
The building was built as Stuckey’s bank in 1877 and a blue heritage trail sign in place on the building, pictured here, recalls its past use.
Comments are being invited on the application by Sedgemoor District Council’s planning team before the deadline of January 30th.
