PLANS have been put forward to transform an old office in Dursley town centre into new flats.

Applicant Oakleaze Holdings recently submitted a change of use application to develop the former offices above Longfield charity shop and Dursley Family Pharmacy. 

The offices were used by accountancy firm Azets until the end of May last year.

Proposals - which were submitted to Stroud District Council - include creating four one bedroom apartments at the site on the corner of May Lane and Parsonage Street. 

It is understood the former Azets office on the ground floor will be kept as a commercial space - either as an office or a shop. 

According to the floor plans, each flat would have an open plan kitchen and living room as well as a bathroom. 

The applicant also submitted a separate application to add in new windows and a new entrance door for the flats.

Plans also include installing a bin store area, vehicle barrier and a bike shed in the site's car park. 

Dursley Town Council raised no objections to the applications. 

Meanwhile, the district council's Environmental Health department asked for a new noise impact assessment over concerns of an air conditioning unit. 

The applicant says the proposed scheme hopes to address housing needs in and around the Dursley area.

A planning document reads: "The proposals will result in a net increase of four dwelling houses.

"The previous tenants, an accountancy firm, occupied the premises until May 2023, and the property has been occupied under equivalent lease arrangements since April 2013.

"Following the departure of the accountancy firm in 2023, the property was actively marketed for Class E use, but no viable occupier for the area proposed for residential development has come forward."

It continues: "Prospect House itself is unlisted, and is understood to date from the 1980s.
"The proposed scheme has been influenced by the existing and surrounding site,while aiming to address housing needs in and around Dursley. 

"The proposed layout has been developed through detailed consideration of the constraints and opportunities presented by the site

"The proposed windows to the first floor and new door to the ground floor will remain in keeping with the existing style and appearance of Prospect House and immediate area of Dursley, while complying with building regulations."

You can view the applications quoting S.24/0821/FUL / S.24/0830/P3E - or see here - tinyurl.com/3497pufy & tinyurl.com/2msphe73