A St Albans church is set to add multiple apartments to its current offices after plans were approved last week.

An application submitted by DLA Town Planning Ltd on behalf of an applicant has been given conditional permission by St Albans City and District Council (SACDC). 

Plans impact the Old Church at 48 Verulam Road is a Grade II-listed building which is set to become three flats.

Following a failed appeal in September 2022, the developers returned with an altered application in July (2024), notably removing the "electrical entrance gates".

Currently, the former church is split into offices and contains a modern extension. Also on the site is a car park with a large tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

When justifying the approval, a spokesperson for SACDC said: "The proposed development is considered acceptable, as it is compatible with the style and form of the original building and with the scale and character of the street scene.

"The proposal will preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area."

The proposed site map.The proposed site map. (Image: Oakbridge Homes Ltd) In addition, the spokesperson believed that there would be no adverse impact on neighbouring properties and the car parking requirements are "adequate".

"The proposed development is considered to result in less than substantial harm to the listed building, but this is outweighed by the public benefits as identified," they added.

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Other alterations to the current site include an external building and associated parking, landscaping works as well as a new cycle/bin store.

Three apartments will be built inside the former church on the lower ground floor, ground floor, and second floor, all including two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and lounge spaces.

​On the ground floor and lower ground floor the plans include dining rooms too.

The submitted lower ground floor site plan.The submitted lower ground floor site plan. (Image: Oakbridge Homes Ltd) The mixed use proposal for the first floor.The mixed use proposal for the first floor. (Image: Oakbridge Homes Ltd)The first floor "open-plan offices" will be unchanged to create a "mixed use" space. 13 office car parking spaces will also remain and a further five residential spaces will be added.

To view the full application go to the St Albans City and District Council's planning portal and search for 5/2024/1182.