Planners' go-ahead for Bridge Street project

Number Six due for major facelift and refurbishment

AMBITIOUS plans to upgrade a derelict building in Bridge Street, Hungerford, have been approved by planning chiefs.

But several hurdles remain to be overcome before the entrance to the town can be transformed.

Jeweller and goldsmith Furr and Co successfully applied for permission to demolish the unlisted, semi-derelict property at number six and build a new property with a retail unit on the ground floor and a two-bedroom flat above.

Gemmologist Rachel Furr, of Furr and Co, said previously: “It’s the most amazing opportunity to bring the entrance into Hungerford up to scratch.

“It’s let us all down for the last 25 years and I hope the people of the town will support the application.”

During the consultation process of the formal planning application there was one formal letter of objection citing safety issues and a perceived loss of privacy from a near neighbour.

Hungerford Town Council, however, supported the application and deputy town mayor Roger Thompson likened Bridge Street’s current state to “a perfect smile with a tooth missing”.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust also voiced its approval of the project.

West Berkshire Council’s environmental health department warned that “contruction activities should be controlled to minimise the impact of noise and dust on neighbours in close proximity to the site”.

Planners noted that number six is sandwiched between two Grade II listed buildings and an officer’s report stated: “The existing building is in a state of disrepair and has no historical merit.

“It is currently semi-derelict but was previously a retail unit with integral residential accommodation.

“This application will keep the retail until on the ground floor but will have a self-contained residential unit above.

“The proposed materials for the building will have to be visually attractive and respond to local character.”

The application was duly granted.

Mrs Furr said afterwards: “It’s good news but there’s lots more to do before work can start.

“We’re in the conservation area and there are other rules and regulations to sort out now.

“There’s quite a lot of prepatory work to be done in close consultation with West Berkshire Council.

“We’ll get it all done as fast as possible but there’s still an awful lot of barriers and red tape to be negotiated.”