THE old post office in Salisbury is set to become one-and two-bed flats with shops on the ground floor following the approval of plans.

Applicant Osman Homes Ltd has had plans approved today (April 15) to redevelop buildings on Castle Street – numbers 24-26, 28-30 and 32-36.

The redevelopment would see buildings 28-30 on Castle Street demolished and rebuilt, with a commercial element retained on the ground floor.

Commercial space has also been identified for numbers 32-36 and the post office building itself, number 24.

The post office has been empty since its closure in 2016.

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Planning permission was secured back in 2009 to turn the site into a 50-bed hotel, complete with a café/bar, restaurant and a new post office, but this permission lapsed before it could be enacted.

The plans said past attempts to redevelop the site have failed – and without a viable use, it is anticipated that the building will fall further into disrepair

Referencing the previously approved plans, Atlas Planning Group, who submitted the plans on behalf of Osman Homes, said: “There was an acceptance at that time that there would need to be some loss of historic fabric and plan form to facilitate the new use.

“If anything, the need for a flexible approach is even greater now given the buildings’ further decay and the higher viability threshold.”

The buildings as they currently look Picture: Google

They added that the new plans would add to the vibrancy of the area.

“Whilst the proposal would result in the loss of some office space within the old post office building, this designated heritage asset has remained un-let and vacant for several years,” they said.

“The proposal would therefore put the listed building back into viable use with commercial/office space on the ground floor still being retained.

“As such, the proposal would continue to add to the vitality and vibrancy of the area and would meet the criteria regarding the loss of office spaces.”

No parking has been included in the plans.

To view the plans and the decision notice, visit the planning section on Wiltshire Council’s website and search reference PL/2023/04923.