Weston Park: Former granary to become offices

The Granary building, at the park near Shifnal, has already been renovated to include a restaurant and deli.

And now the Weston Park Foundation has submitted plans to convert the first and second floors of the western wing into new office space.

If approved, 3,299 sq ft of office space would be created which would be rented out.

Plans have been submitted to South Staffordshire Council and will be decided at a later date.

Colin Sweeney, chief executive officer of the Weston Park Foundation, said: "The development of modern office space in the Granary building is a continuation of our on-going investment into the last unused building on the estate.

"Since the restoration work started in 2009 the Granary is now home to the art gallery, grill restaurant and deli cafe.

"The restoration of the upper two floors of the west wing, above the Granary Grill, will be sympathetic to the character and history of the building.

"We want to create modern office environments for let in our beautiful rural location."

A planning statement states: "The Granary building has previously been renovated so the proposed works are limited to internal partitioning and fitting out of the first and second floors of the west wing and replacement of existing window vents.

"The layout of the building will remain unchanged with access to the west wing being served off the existing staircase."

Under proposals the appearance of the building will broadly remain unchanged with the existing openings being used.

Documents add: "The proposal will allow these areas to generate an income through rent from letting out the office space, which can be used to help maintain the building and other heritage assets at Weston Park.

"The limited alterations to the west wing are not considered to harm, the significance of The Granary building and are a logical extension to the previously implemented scheme to convert The Granary building to provide diversified rental income.

"It is considered that the proposals as submitted fulfils the requirements of the adopted Local Plan as set out by the above policies and should therefore be approved."