Project unveiled for historic shop

The proposals will add 60sq m to the existing 143sq m of Elm Tree Stores as part of a wider redevelopment of the building and its neighbouring property, Shelley House.

They are located on an island between Church Lane and Nyton Road.

The intended scheme, by Mr D Tobin, will also involve converting Shelley House into two apartments. A one-bedroom apartment will be on the ground floor and a two-bedroom property above.

It is also envisaged to convert the roof space above the shop into a one-bed apartment. As well as extending the shop, the planned proposals feature a first-floor extension to the shop to provide two apartments and the construction of three new apartments. All of them will have one bedroom.

Parking will be provided within the existing courtyard with nine spaces. The redevelopment proposals have been sent to Arun District Council for a decision.

A statement by planning agent Anthony Greenwood, with Mr Tobin's application, says: "The architecture which has been derived to accommodate the new building pays special regard to the existing buildings on the site and to those adjoining and, to a greater extent, those within the immediate conservation area."

He adds it is considered the proposed development will add to the character of the area. A separate flood risk assessment, by Robert Clark Associates Ltd, with the plans, says the site lies on the edge of a fluvial flood zone.

New building work will be designed in accordance with good practice in flood risk areas to lessen the risk. Flood-resilient materials and building techniques will be used along with raised electrical installations.

In addition, the lower ground floor of the stores at 10.255m above sea level will be raised to match the higher floor section at 10.765m to take it above the expected peak flood level.

This lower ground-floor section was flooded in 1993/94 mainly because vehicles passing along the flooded Nyton Road and Church Lane sent water into the building.

But improvements have since been carried out to the culvert underneath the roads which had become blocked to cause the excess water to build up.

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