Flats planned for former Barclays bank in Belford
The former Barclays Bank building on Belford High Street
PLANS to convert the former Barclays Bank building in Belford into three flats have been submitted.
The property was gifted to the community as a gesture of goodwill when Barclays closed its Belford branch around 2000.
The Belford Development Trust was formed as a result of this and the property was used over the subsequent 10 year period for charity shops and similar charitable ventures.
However, the property was sold when the trust got into financial difficulties and was last used in the early part of 2010.
New owner Craig McLaren, of West Linkhall Cottages, Chathill, has now lodged an application to carry out alterations with Northumberland County Council.
A report accompanying the application states: ‘The current owner wishes to provide much needed low cost accommodation for use by local people and with as little disruption to the existing building and its character as possible.
“There are currently a number of empty shop premises in Belford that have been vacant for a number of years so this option was disregarded on the basis that this would not be a viable proposition and that housing of the nature proposed was more sought after.”
It is hoped to encourage locals to take over the properties either on a rental or social need.
The bank vault would also be removed.
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Weather for Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North
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