Plans to transform a distinctive drill hall into a block of flats have been blocked, with the council citing concerns over impact on local amenities and conservation. The castle-style Newport Drill Hall at Lower Dock Street near the city centre has stood since 1867, but after suffering its second fire in several years in 2018, has been unused since and is in need of significant renovation.
Plans submitted to the city council by Bath-based architects Carter Hughes Davies on behalf of Harvey Bowes would have seen the three-storey landmark building turned into 12 flats, with a new roof and extensive external and internal refurbishments.
The application documents shows proposals for four two-bedroom flats on the ground floor and first floor, one two-bedroom flat and a one-bedroom flat on the second floor, and a bedsit and a one-bedroom flat in the roof space. In the rear portion of the building the applicant explained they would create an additional four one-bedroom flats on the ground and first floors. Plans were also detailed for an internal courtyard with bin storage and a cycle parking area.
