PLANS to build eight self-contained flats with 10 parking spaces at the rear of Ivy House, in Ellesmere's Conservation Area, have been submitted to Shropshire Council.

The application, submitted by Shrewsbury-based Chartland Developments on behalf of TE Bowen from Ellesmere, outlines the context for the development.

According to the design and access statement, created by Andrew Jones from Chartland, the demolition of a garage – as part of the Wharf and Tesco developments to create Canal Way – opened up access to the rear of Ivy House, in Scotland Street.

The statement says: "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 site lies within the Conservation Area of Ellesmere and therefore a full planning application is required.

"The surrounding area is housing with the 1970s housing of the Berwyn View estate to the south and Laurels Close to the east which we believe is Local Authority housing."

In the application, Mr Jones highlights development around the proposed site as 'lacking inspiration' for a potential design and that they plan to use similar designs to the Victorian and Georgian buildings further into Ellesmere town centre.

It added: "In particular there are numerous imposing three-storey Georgian or Victorian properties immediately adjoining much lower two-storey Victorian or later cottages. These are often built right up to the back of the footpath.

"The design is intended to reflect this characteristic by breaking up the elevation to Canal Way with various styles, roof heights and by providing steps in the front walls of each of the 'houses'.

"The street scene is to be 'bookended' with a three-storey Georgian style building typical of many in the town. This will provide a much needed focal point to the road junction and provide an attractive elevation when viewed from the new Tesco.

"A hipped roof is proposed to the three storey building as this will reduce its mass. Furthermore, a large gable to Canal Way would not be as attractive and would not then be the dual frontage building that best suits the location."

To comment on the application, head to https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications and search 21/00746/FUL.

The closing date for comments is Thursday, March 18.