A landmark building on one of the gateways to Gloucester is to be transformed under new approved plans.

Planning consent has been approved to convert the former Royal Mail sorting office off Eastern Avenue near to Walls roundabout into 48 flats.

If ever a set of plans sailed through the city council offices it was this one - with the application being received on March 19, validated on March 20, prior approval given and the news revealed earlier this month (May).

Applicants were named as County to County Property Group, Alstone Lane, Cheltenham and D5 Architects LLP, Birmingham, who applied for "prior approval for the change of use from B1(a) office to residential use class C3 forming 14 two bed flats and 34 one bed flats".

Highways had nothing to say against the plans - as the site had already demonstrated its ability to cope with vehicles leaving and entering regularly.

Concern was raised about the level of noise any prospective residents would be subject to.

A environmental health report stated: "Prior to first occupation of any units contained within this proposed development, post completion noise testing shall be carried out by a professional and competent contractor within the lounge and bedrooms of 20 per cent of units with a North Eastern façade.

"No residential unit shall be occupied until such time the post completion testing report demonstrates compliance with the above standards."

Planning also saw the findings of a report by Adrian McCordick, a senior acoustics engineering at Hoarelea.com, Birmingham.

"There was no obvious noise impact from the Royal Mail Sorting Centre on either of the site visits and it is expected that any noise impact from activities at these premises will be fully masked by the high levels of traffic noise across the site," said Mr McCordick.

"BS8233 internal criteria can be achieved for all habitable rooms by use of an appropriate acoustic rated glazing systems and vents to control external noise break-in."

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