PLANS to convert the former home of HSBC in Welshpool into a series of apartments have been submitted to Powys County Council.

The building that was once occupied by HSBC at 23 Broad Street is being eyed for renovation by HS Property Group, which submitted the application in March.

The three-storey structure was used as a bank since it was first built in 1876.

HSBC closed its Welshpool branch in September 2021, since when the building has been unoccupied.

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The proposal by HS Property Group is to convert the building into six apartments.

In the planning application, the group says: “Given the nature of banking today and the irreversible move to online banking, there are inevitably bank closures throughout the country.

“We do not believe that securing another banking tenant in this building would be a realistic prospect.

“This application provides the best and most viable means to secure and guarantee the future of the heritage asset.”

While converting the space would require changes to the interior of the building, the application argues that proposal has adopted a conservation-based approach as opposed to other potential renovations.

It said: “We do not believe that a retailer would be interested without wanting to make substantial changes to the fenestration arrangement, which would radically alter the external appearance, to the detriment of it’s setting.

“It is self-evident that to keep a listed building in the use for which it was designed is not always the best way to conserve it and the need to manage change is a necessary tactic.

“It is important to recognise that there is a need for a new chapter for the former Bank, but one that respects and responds to its heritage and cultural value.”

The application is awaiting approval by Powys County Council.