Upstairs of former Halifax building could become flats

An application to turn the upstairs of the former Halifax building into six residential flats has been submitted to Somerset Council.

The application, submitted by Criterion Property Investments Ltd, proposes five one-bedroom flats and one studio flat at 1 to 3a The Bridge. The ground floor will retain two retail units, which are currently vacant.

The Design and Access Statement says, “The proposals have been carefully designed to ensure minimal intervention with the existing listed building. The proposal includes the introduction of a single-storey extension to the rear, over the existing modern flat roof structure, to provide living accommodation for a new residential unit with associated new balcony area overlooking the River Frome.”

Frome Town Council has supported the application and welcomed the building being brought back into use after it has been vacant since July 2024.

However, in Frome Town Council’s comment on the Somerset Planning Portal, it says, “Bin/recycling storage space appears to be inadequate for six flats. We would prefer to see a solution for cycle storage on the ground floor. Lease agreements must inform tenants of potential noise disturbance from adjoining town centre venues. We also note that a number of the dwellings are smaller than recommended in the Nationally Described Space Standards.”

The building has remained vacant since July 2024 after both the Halifax building society and the former Share Shop, which was based at 3a The Bridge, closed.