Christopher Place developers to merge units for larger space

The application - submitted on behalf of Federated Hermes Property Unit Trust - earmarks the units at 15-18 to be "amalgamated".

Currently the units are vacant, with 15a -17 hosting a former shop, 15b a former snooker club/bar, and 18 a furniture shop.

Under the plans, works will "strip-out" and remove the existing fit outs while dividing walls between the buildings.

New partitions and floors will be installed to "re-divide" the space and the units will be left in condition for incoming tenants to carry their own "bespoke fit outs".

The current floor plan. (Image: Bidwells) The proposed floor plans demonstrate the merger. (Image: Bidwells) Developers confirmed there would be no external alterations to the building.

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In the decision notice a council planning officer said: "The plans are considered to be acceptable in principle in this location.

"The proposal would not have a harmful impact on the safe and free flow of traffic and highway.

"To ensure protection of neighbouring unit's amenity of proposed units an informative has been imposed regarding effect on noise."

The new areas will be unit 15 - 16 comprising of 654Sqm, unit 17-18, 389Sqm and a first floor which operates over 316Sqm.

A statement in the cover letter reads: "The plans are for the amalgamation of ground floor units 15B, 15A-17 and 18 to create two Class E units 15-16 and 17-18 for flexible Class E and change the first floor unit of 15B from retail to storage for the shopping centre."

Developers hope for "two tenants" to secure the new units in the future.

One public comment was submitted in support of the proposal but were concerned about the "noise" and "working hours" of builders during the construction period.

To view the planning application search 5/2024/1372 on St Albans City and District Council's planning portal.