A TOTAL of 11 new flats could be developed above retail premises in Salisbury city centre.

A planning application submitted by Advoco Planning Ltd on behalf of Lainston Securities asks if prior approval is required to change the use of 3-7 New Canal, allowing for the development of flats on the second, third and fourth floors.

The building was formerly home to shops including Laura Ashley, which closed at 7 New Canal in 2020, replaced by Sofas & Stuff.

In the application to Wiltshire Council, Advoco Planning says the majority of the building has been vacant for some time.

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“The building … has been in the ownership of the applicants since July 2023,” it said. “With the exception of the ground floor at number 7, which also occupies the majority of the first floor, the whole building has been vacant since then and is understood to have been vacant for some period up to its sale.”

The application would retain retail premises on the ground floor, with storage on the first floor, with flats being built on the second, third and fourth floors.

In total, the applications lays out plans for 11 flats – six two-bed and five one-bed properties.

How 11 flats could be laid out at 3-7 New Canal in Salisbury. Picture: Advoco/Wiltshire Council

Though there is no parking attached to the site, the plans detail 11 spaces for bicycle parking, allowing “future occupants to pursue more sustainable transport options”.

“The assumption is that the flats are intended for those without cars and given the cost and paucity of city centre parking, that would appear to be both acceptable and a reasonable assumption,” the application added.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2023/10405.