Former council offices could be turned into flats in Wellingborough

Croyland Hall and Croyland Abbey are owned by Wellingborough Council and have both been empty since 2011.

But proposals have been put forward which could see the town centre buildings, previously used as offices for council staff, converted into 14 rental apartments.

The buildings were vacated after the council reduced its workforce several years ago and running costs were considered too high to continue to use them.

Councillors will discuss the application to convert the buildings from offices back to living accommodation on Wednesday night.

In a report prepared for the meeting, the authority’s conservation officer has commented on the plans and said: “There will be little damage to the underlying historic fabric and the new long-term use will provide protection.

“There will be no impact on the conservation area, in that there will be only small changes to the outside appearance of the buildings.

“This is a well-designed long term plan for Croyland Abbey and Croyland Hall and I would recommend approval.”

The proposal is for nine one-bedroom flats and five two-bedroom flats.

Speaking back in June 2014, council leader Paul Bell said the mothballed buildings cost the council money for maintenance and repair, but with no return.

Although these proposals, which have been recommended for approval, could mean the buildings become self-funding.

When the council first agreed to look into the possibility of converting the buildings, it said the cost of conversion was estimated at just over £1 million and the flats would generate about £100,000 a year in rent as part of the council’s investment portfolio.

The plans will be considered by the authority’s planning committee at a meeting starting at 7pm on Wednesday (May 11) in the council chamber at Swanspool House.