Cheltenham's landmark Grade II-listed Cobbler's Corner, at the meeting point of the High Street and Clarence Street, will see new accommodation and an fresh retail offer after planners approved a makeover bid on the historic building.

Plans submitted for changes to 202 and 204 High Street will create a new shop unit for F Hinds jewellers (who are currently trading opposite the building) on the ground floor and two flats on the floors above, while solar panels can be added to the roof as part of the project. 

The move for F Hinds will see the end of trade for the current shoe repair unit at the property, while the Co-Operative Travel unit, occupying the main grond floor area, will also leave to make way for the new shop.

F Hinds bought the address in 2022 and in a heritage statement for the bid, Cheltenham Borough Council planners were told that the address "commands a prominent position within the town centre and creates a defining feature at the corner of High Street. Together with the curved end of 200 High Street, the building frames one of the entryways to St Mary's Church."

Agent Elaine Milton Heritage and Planning added: "It is being proposed to combine the two shop units to form a single shop via the formation of a single door width opening in the party wall. The opening would be formed through a section of plastered brickwork to the north of the chimney stack. A timber door would be inserted within the opening."

The heritage statement also added: "The proposed change of use of the upper floors to residential would be appropriate as it would reinstate the use for which the building was designed. It would make good use of the whole building, helping to secure its repair and long-term conservation."

It is not known as yet when the work will begin and a spokesperson for F HInds said they could as yet not confirm a date for relocation.