Staff accommodation is proposed above a popular Newport restaurant, as it bids to expand and improve.
Plans have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council by Mr Kwok-Wal Hang, owner of Hong Kong Express on Newport High Street, to convert and extend part of the building.
Through 2 planning applications, Mr Hang is looking to create 3 flats on the first floor and in the attic.
There is already accommodation on the first floor of the building, but it is hoped an extension will allow for an extra 2-bed flat. The extension, documents say, would not be visible from the High Street and would only be partially seen from Holyrood Street.
The attic would also be converted into 2x 1-bed flats, with windows inserted into the roof.
In planning documents, submitted in favour of the application, agent Norman White, says the business, which already has a second restaurant in Ryde, is in need of additional staff to help it grow – and extra accommodation is required to make that happen.
Comments can be submitted on the attic plans (22/00949/FUL) until 15th July and on the first floor plans (22/00951/FUL) until 22nd July.
I don’t think anyone can object to housing above commercial areas. It’s an obvious win.
We should however be very concerned about housing being linked with employment. This puts far to much power in the hands of the boss/landlord.