Quirky Northampton shop to be DEMOLISHED and turned into students flats

Plans to turn a former quirky clothing retailer into a block of student flats have been given the green light by Northampton Borough Council.

Most Marvellous Emporium, which is located at Orient House on the junction between Kettering Road and Wellingborough Road, will be partly demolished and converted to make way for a cluster of student flats, which will contain 28 bedrooms in total.

According to a design and access statement, the proposals also say four existing flats above retail units next to Most Marvellous Emporium will be retained and used as part of the accommodation. The neighbouring existing shops on the ground floor will be split into two retail units, according to plans.

The small car park outside the front of the former shop, which has about five spaces, will be kept and used as a drop-off area and a waste storage and collection area.

The applicant, Dishey 101 Ltd, said the plans "would no doubt benefit the vitality of the area". The company added: "The development of the site for student accommodation would contribute towards the council’s housing supply, with associated social and economic benefits."

The Town Centre Conservation Area Advisory Committee commented on the plans. A spokesperson said: "The committee would question the need for further blocks of student accommodation in the town and would highlight the problems caused by seasonal peaks and troughs in residency."

The quirky vintage shop is believed to have closed in January 2017.

One person previously wrote on TripAdvisor about Most Marvellous Emporium: "I love this place to visit and browse to see what there is. Wide range on offer from clothing to furniture as well as vintage memorabilia.

"It really is a place of discovery. When you need a break there is a lovely tea room there, too. It does not look impressive from the outside but is full of treasure inside."

Plans were put forward last month to turn the former Debenhams site into a block of student flats.