2 new ‘first-time buyer flats’ in the heart of Newport have been approved by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning department.
Planners have given the go ahead to Jon Carter’s prior approval application to convert ‘general office space’ on the first and second floors of 31 High Street in Newport into 2x 1-bedroom flats.
The ground floor of 31 High Street currently houses a branch of estate and letting agents Watson Bull & Porter.
Mr Carter’s agent, Planning & Development Hub (IW) Ltd, said the application had been made due to a ‘general lack of demand for office space’.
A submitted statement from Planning & Development Hub said:
“It is considered that the first and second floor office space is now in real terms, redundant, with a more suitable and appropriate use being to provide residential units for first time buyer flats within this central and sustainable location.”
The council’s officer report justifying the decision said:
“It is not considered that the change of use will generate any significant parking or highway issues particularly given the town centre, sustainable location.
Article continues below this advertisement “The change of use from commercial as proposed would not compromise the vitality and viability of an active commercial frontage which would be retained.
“The proposal would also re-energise this building and would facilitate repairs and cosmetic improvements, in a manner that would be sympathetic to the character of the building.
“Due to the nature of the commercial use (estate agents offices) there is very little chance of any noise disturbance to the apartments above, given the type of office business and the hours of operation.
“The proposed submitted floor plans demonstrate that adequate daylight can be provided to all habitable rooms.”
Good first foot on the ladder for First time buyers