Flats are being proposed for empty office space in Freshwater village, in what used to be a Lloyds Bank.
Plans have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council to renovate and alter the Tennyson Buildings, on the corner of Tennyson and Queens Roads, making way for flats.
The space was occupied by Lloyds Bank until January 2019 when the branch was closed, but now estate agents Spence Willard fill the commercial unit, having opened earlier this year.
Ground, first and second floors
Surplus office space on the ground, first and second floors are proposed to be two one-bed and two-bed flats, by applicant Gallibury Holdings.
Planning agents Modh Design say the property is in need of renovation and maintenance to ensure the longevity of the prominent building in the village centre.
Unoccupied office space has no value to the high street
They say there is a precedent in Freshwater of residential units located above commercial ones and that the unoccupied office space has no value to the high street or current working climate.
Work on the exterior of the building is said to keep the building’s original features and not compromise the appearance — with two windows and a balcony added.
In planning documents, the agents say by rejuvenating the site it will enhance the town centre by occupying a currently unused office space with family homes as well as ‘providing an opportunity’ to increase footfall in the town.
Have your say
To view the proposals, 21/01021/FUL, you can visit the council’s planning register.
Comments will be accepted until 25th June.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
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