A project to convert part of a historic building in Mansfield town centre into an HMO would be carried out sensitively and sympathetically, a developer has promised.

Mansfield District Council has received a planning application for a three-storey property at 13, Church Street that dates back to 1800 and boasts an attractive Georgian stone frontage.

It is grade II listed and sits within the Bridge Street and Market Street Conservation Area of the town.

However, local entrepreneur Jack Townsend, who runs the property development, management and lettings agency Estate Trader, wants to turn the first and second floors into a four-bedroom, four-person HMO (house in multiple occupation).

The three-storey grade II listed building at 13, Church Street in Mansfield town centre. (PHOTO BY: Google Maps)

placeholder image — The three-storey grade II listed building at 13, Church Street in Mansfield town centre. (PHOTO BY: Google Maps)

Given the ongoing controversy of HMOs springing up all over the Mansfield area and the building’s heritage value, the proposal might attract opposition.

But in a planning statement, Mr Townsend insists any changes would be “limited and proportionate” and the shop premises on the ground floor, previously occupied by Mansfield Computer Store, would be retained.

The statement says: “The proposal would preserve the special architectural and historic interest in the listed building, and the character and appearance of the conservation area.

"It represents a sustainable and heritage-led re-use of a town-centre building. It would support the vitality of Church Street and secure investment, repair and regular maintenance of a grade II listed building.”

Property entrepreneur Jack Townsend, who is behind the HMO project on Church Street, Mansfield.

Mr Townsend transitioned from working as an electrician to building a large property portfolio and launching the Estate Trader agency.

He specialises in HMOs, single lets, investments and refurbishments tailored to the Mansfield area and has spearheaded dozens of successful housing projects in recent years.

The Church Street HMO application is for listed building consent for a change of use and refurbishment.

If given the go-ahead, the HMO would comprise four single bedrooms with en-suite showers, a shared kitchen and other communal facilities, including a yard at the rear. It would bring to life the upper floors, which are currently vacant or under-used as shop storage.

The council’s planning officers are currently considering the proposal and hope to make a decision or recommendation by their deadline date of Wednesday, October 28.

THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/