Historic former bank set to become block of flats

Plans to transform a historic Surrey bank into a block of flats have been given the green light.

The 19th Century bank on Egham High Street, which has been empty for years, is to be converted into 20 homes.

No affordable housing will be provided as it is not financially viable, according to Runnymede Borough Council.

But the local authority said it could claw back money to fund affordable housing if the development made more money than expected.

Planning documents state the ground floor will remain for commercial use, adding the new flats will be a decent size and cater to families.

The historic town centre building - which the planning applicant said was in a poor and deteriorating condition - is set to be restored and refurbished.

Planning officers said changes would be "sensitively designed" and "enhance the character" of the old bank's existing architectural style.

The first phase of the development will turn the bank into six one-bedroom flats.

The second stage will build a detached 3.5 storey building with 14 flats on the vacant car park in Wetton Place, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The proposed development will have no on-site parking, but space for 19 bicycles.

However, neighbours criticised the scheme for not providing any car parking spaces, saying it was "unrealistic" that residents would just use bikes and that parking spaces in the town centre were already lacking.

In response, the applicant's agent said the proposed development was within "walking distance to Egham rail station, bus stops, retail and entertainment".

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