A PLANNING application to convert Kidderminster town centre offices into a 38-bedroom HMO has been lodged.

The proposal seeks to change the use of offices on the upper floors of 17-25 Vicar Street, to develop a large House in Multiple Occupation, with communal kitchens, cycle storage and a bin store.

There are two buildings which form the site for the proposed HMO. 17-20, Vicar Street, which is a four-storey, grade II listed building dating back to the 1850s, and 21-27, Vicar Street, which is a three-storey structure dating to the 1960s.

The plan would be to combine both buildings and build an additional floor over 21-25 Vicar Street.

Both buildings have retail units at ground level, which will be retained.

The entrance to the HMO would be both from the front and rear of the building.

A listed building consent application was submitted to Wyre Forest District Council planners last week.

The heritage statement for the proposal says: “The change of use of the upper floors of Building 1 and Building 2 to a Large House in Multiple Occupation including a third storey to Building 2 accords with relevant policies of the Core Strategy, polices contained within the Local Plan, and the National Planning Policy Framework.

“It will have no significant adverse effects on the character and appearance of the combined site, the surrounding area or on the significance of the existing buildings.

“The design, layout and scale of the proposed development have considered the site’s position within the conservation area and as such no detrimental harm will be caused”.

The application is now listed on the Wyre Forest District Council website and is pending consideration.