Member Article

Plans submitted to convert Crawley office block into 173 homes

Plans have been submitted to Crawley Borough Council to convert “rundown” Woodall Duckham House into 173 homes.

According to Crawley News, the property, at 11 The Boulevard, will be turned into 15 studio, 74 one-bedroom and 84 two-bedroom flats, spread out over the eight-storey building.

The proposal was put forward as a prior approval plan by Killarney Commercio Internacional Lda last Tuesday (January 13).

Prior approval means the applicant does not need full planning permission if they can show that the proposed development will not cause transport, flooding or contamination problems.

Peter Smith, the council’s cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “In principal we are keen to see more residential space in the town centre.

“It is a shame to see so much office space going, but at the same time I understand people need somewhere to live. Whether these units are rented or sold I do not know, the market need will tell.”

A comment from the theatre, managed by Parkwood Theatres on behalf of Crawley Borough Council, reads: “I’d like to raise concern over residential developments in Queens Square as these areas are used for public events and as such a certain level of noise can be expected particularly at weekends.

“Any residents’ objections could severely limit public celebrations or events.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .