Conversion of Former Bank to Residential Apartments & Retail Unit

122 East Street, South Molton, North Devon, UK

Simon Kaufman Architects have successfully secured full planning permission for the conversion of the former bank at 122 East Street, South Molton. The approved scheme delivers a mixed-use residential and commercial development within South Molton Conservation Area and demonstrates our experience in achieving planning consent for complex, developer-led projects.

The consented development comprises high-quality residential units, including a large HMO apartment, alongside a ground floor retail unit. The project is now progressing to detailed working drawings, with construction programmed to commence in 2026.

Planning-Led Regeneration in a Conservation Area

The scheme responds directly to North Devon Council planning policy on town centre regeneration, conservation-led reuse and mixed-use development. A clear planning strategy was developed to balance heritage constraints with commercial viability, enabling residential intensification while retaining the architectural character of the original building.

Original features including generous floor-to-ceiling heights, strong proportions and period detailing are retained and integrated within modern residential layouts that meet current market expectations and planning requirements.

Residential Mix Including HMO Accommodation

The approved residential accommodation includes a two-bedroom apartment at ground floor, a two-bedroom apartment at first floor, and a large four-bedroom HMO apartment arranged over the first and second floors. The HMO has been designed to meet current space standards and operational requirements, making it suitable for long-term rental and professional management.

All apartments exceed Nationally Described Space Standards and have been designed with efficiency, buildability and long-term performance in mind. A new rear urban garden provides private amenity space for residents and enhances the overall quality of the development.

Flexible Retail Unit

The ground floor retail unit provides approximately 106 square metres of flexible commercial floorspace suitable for a range of Class E uses. Its prominent frontage onto East Street supports active street use and contributes to the wider regeneration of South Molton town centre.

A shared entrance arrangement with controlled and secure access allows clear separation between residential and commercial users while maintaining practical servicing and management.

From Planning to Delivery

With planning permission secured, Simon Kaufman Architects are now delivering the technical design and building regulations package and coordinating consultant inputs in preparation for construction. Our continued involvement ensures continuity from planning approval through to on-site delivery.

This project reflects our expertise working with small to medium-sized developers on conservation area conversions, mixed-use schemes, town centre regeneration projects and HMO-led residential developments.