A SCHEME to convert a Craven Arms "eyesore" to bring six flats to the town has been given the thumbs up by district planners.

The Bearingline Tool Store on Shrewsbury road, formerly the Station Motors garage, is to be enlarged and a first and second floor extension built to provide six two-bedroom flats.

"There is a strong need in Craven Arms for low-cost affordable housing. It is our intention to let these affordable units to the local younger generation as our research has found this is what housing in Craven Arms fails to provide," the owner, Nick Humphreys told the planning committee.

"Our estimate is that each unit will be let at £80 per week."

The extensions will have Victorian-style design features and pitched roofed dormers that will reflect the Victorian Temperance Hall across the road.

The plans were supported by the Craven Arms Initiative because they would greatly improve the visual approach to the Arms by road and for rail passengers.

Project Officer Matt Smith said: "This is a key site and the intended building will greatly enhance the entrance to the town."