Former March curry house in Elwyn Road could become flats

Gavin Papworth, of Westwood Avenue, March, has applied for permission to convert 17 Elwyn Road, March, into three flats.

The building has most recently been used as the offices for a mortgage broker.

A design and access statement drawn up in support of the application by Morton and Hall Consulting explains that the application seeks to create two one-bedroom flats on the ground floor and a two-bedroom flat on the first floor.

A former curry house in Elwyn Road, March could be converted into three flats. (Image: A former curry house in Elwyn Road, March could be converted into three flats.)

The statement says there are no plans to create new entrances to the premises as the existing doors and windows will be used for the homes, which minimises the need for any external alterations.

It also admits there is no parking with the proposed flats, but argues the site has good public transport links and is in a central area of the town, which means a reduction in car parking provision could be negotiated, and in special circumstances, no parking provision may be appropriate.

The statement adds that there are car parks within easy walking distance of the proposed flats.

"The proposal for residential use would match with the properties immediately adjacent to the site, and this would not disturb any adjacent existing established businesses," says the statement.

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And adds: "The building is located in a highly sustainable location which would promote the use of public transport, walking and cycling."

It also points to similar developments that have been approved in the town centre, including the conversion of the Regent Building at 6 to 8 Dartford Road, where approval was given for five residential flats.

The statement also points out that approval has been granted for a change of use from offices to 28 dwellings at Old School House, also in Dartford Road.