High-end furniture outlet set for town's main street

Plans submitted for alterations to Grade II-listed building

Plans to convert part of a Grade II-listed former bank building into a high-end furniture showroom in the centre of Altrincham have been submitted.

If approved, the building on Railway Street, currently a vacant art gallery, will sell bespoke, handmade artisan furniture made by The Rusland Movement.

The planning application for the three storey building is for the basement and first floor only with upper floors left intact.

Applicant Blue Support Services Ltd describes the building as mid-to-late 19th century, located opposite Altrincham General Hospital and overlooks The Downs Conservation Area.

A planning statement from consultant Paul Butler Associates says the applicant is seeking to undertake ‘a series of restoration and improvement works’ to the ground floor and basement levels to enable the use of the building as a high-end furniture outlet.

“Some minor external alterations are proposed to the ground floor,” it says.

“Due to the site’s location within a conservation area, these alterations do not benefit from permitted development, and therefore require planning permission.”

A corresponding application for Listed Building Consent for the internal and external alterations has also been submitted.

The works to the building would include the replacement of non-original windows, including frames and glazing, as well as the non-original entrance door from Railways Street and the removal of security grilles.

“The new windows are required for security and to improve the thermal efficiency of the building,” the statement said.

“Overall, the proposed new windows will have a positive impact on the appearance of the building.”