Hawarden: Grade II listed former courthouse could be transformed into a trio of apartments

A Grade II listed former village courthouse could be transformed into a trio of duplex apartments in plans are given the go-ahead.

Flintshire Council has received a planning application seeking to convert the old courthouse on Glynne Way in Hawarden from commercial office space into residential use.

According to a design and access statement submitted with the proposals, the building which dates back to 1886, is currently vacant and has been on the market for some years.

It was Grade II listed in November 1994, along with the adjoining former police station.

The property, which formerly featured cells and a court room, is currently vacant and has not been occupied for years having been last used as office accommodation.

Before that, the building was used by Hawarden Council as offices and a staff social club.

The design and access statement submitted with the application outlines the plans.

It says: “The proposal is to convert the existing two storey office accommodation into three, two-bed duplex apartments.

“The duplex units will therefore all have a ground floor entrance and living accommodation with sleeping accommodation at first floor.

“Unit 1 will access directly off Glynne Way, while Units 2 and 3 access off the existing rear car park.

“All will have level access capability, with Unit 1 directly off pavement, and units 2 and 3 via a shared private entrance which can accommodate a chairlift.

“The units are small in floor area, so there is no practicable room for lifts or lifting platforms.”

In the design and access statement drawn up by agents McCormick Architecture, it states that talks have taken place with Flintshire Council – with a view to potentially helping ease pressure on the authority’s waiting list of families needing homes.

It says: “Discussions have taken place between the building owners and Flintshire County Council regarding using the duplex accommodation for ‘families in need’ on the council’s waiting list in addition to their use on the general open market.

“The small size of the units will likely be attractive to starter families, retired able bodies couples or young individuals/couples, and will be built to the best standards practicable for listed buildings in relation to energy efficiency and the building regulations.”

According to the design and access statement, water has entered and damaged the property due to lead theft from the building some years ago when it was vacant.

There was a previous attempt to convert the building into a women’s fitness centre but that was refused on parking grounds.

Flintshire Council planners will make a decision on the application at a future date.

By Rory Sheehan – Local Democracy Reporter (more here).