Church House, on Crane Street, was used by the Diocese of Salisbury until 2023, when staff moved to a purpose-built space in Wilton.
The Grade I-listed building was later put on the market for £2m with Myddelton & Major and sold to the Clydesdale Group on behalf of Audley Heritage.
Church House, which Henry VIII is rumoured to have stayed in, is now subject to plans to convert the office space to provide seven additional dwellings.
The proposed homes are three townhouses, one two-bedroom house and three flats. There are four existing residential units within the building.
The plans seek to preserve the building’s historic character (Image: Myddleton & Major) A planning statement says: “Various alterations to the building are proposed, along with the removal of modern additions.
“The aim of the proposal is to preserve the historic fabric of the building, whilst contributing to vitality and vibrancy of the city centre through the provision of new housing.”
The building was once a workhouse (Image: Newsquest) It adds: “The changes that are proposed seek to enhance the site’s current character.
“Indeed, the existing courtyard, which currently does not contribute to the setting of the listed building, will have its appearance improved through new planting and the introduction of cobbled paving.”
The building was initially marketed for employment use but with no interest.
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“This is not surprising because the application building is currently only suitable for asingle business,” the application says.
“Finding a business large enough to occupy the site with the constraints associated with itsGrade I listed status means that its current use is not a viable proposition.
“Salisbury is also inundated with office space meaning that office use for this historic and important building is not a feasible option.”
Inside the historic building (Image: Spencer Mulholland) A ‘modest’ flood wall would be built to the west of the building and flood gates would be installed to protect it, given its proximity to the River Avon.
The application adds: “The provision of new housing provides a social and economic benefit, with future occupiers able to use all the services and facilities within the city.”
Church House dates to the 15th century, when it was built as a private home for the Audley family.
It was used as the Salisbury parish workhouse from 1634 and was threatened with demolition in 1881, according to a newspaper report.
To see the plans in full, visit Wiltshire Council’s planning portal and search for application reference PL/2024/11636.