The demolition of a run-down shop in a shabby part of the town centre has been approved.

And in its place, an unknown developer will be able to put up a three-storey block of flats.

The applicant behind the scheme to knock down 29 John Street in the town centre and put up a three-storey apartment block in its place, is not listed, with only the agent UPP Architects and Town Planners named.

The plan is to knock down the premises being used currently as a grocery store and build a small block with one two-bed flat on each of the building’s floors.

The plan would also see the part of the café and shop units that front onto John Street converted for two more apartments: one with one bed and one with two, which would be suitable for three people.

Between the existing shop and the new block, a space would be filled in with a linking block of stairs to give access to all the apartments.

Swindon Advertiser:

An unnamed applicant, also using the services of UPP Architects and Planners had previously been granted permission for the conversion of the upper floor of the Evo-cafe building converted into one two-bed flat.

The ground floor of the part of the building fronting onto Fleet Street would be retained as a shop unit.

Pictures of the plans show that the two applications seem to be part of one overall development.

The application said the flats offer “a good standard of internal amenity space for future occupiers which would exceed the minimum guidance set out” and that all flats have a “dual aspect” meaning they have windows in walls facing different directions.

The borough council’s urban design officer was, it seems, in favour of the scheme, writing: "The site is located in a prominent town centre location, this provides a great opportunity to introduce a high-quality development into the town centre."

The planning report where consent was recommended says: “The site is within the town centre where the emphasis is for high-quality design, regeneration and development that supports the vitality, vibrancy and viability of the town centre.

“A key element of the regeneration of the central area is providing homes to create and promote a strong and vibrant central community, including greater activity through all parts of the day and evening.”