MORE plans have been submitted to turn empty offices into flats in Dursley.

A change of use application has been put forward to transform old offices above the Longfield charity bookshop and Blade King Barbershop in Parsonage Street.

Clipper Properties has applied to Stroud District Council for permission to turn four old offices into three flats each with one-bedroom.

According to the floor plan, each apartment would also have its own living room, kitchen and bathroom.

It is understood the proposed scheme requires no external changes.

A planning document reads: “Flats are within the town centre and have good links to buses and roads. Cycle storage will be provided.”

Responding to the plans, Dursley Town Council said they neither support or object to the application.

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire Highways is supporting the plans as long as covered cycle storage is provided for two bikes per flat.

It comes amid a number of similar proposals to open new flats above shops across the town centre.

Plans were submitted to turn four offices into four flats above the post office and convenience shop Dursley Local store in Silver Street back in July.

Elsewhere, plans were approved in July to create four flats above Gravity Fish & Chips in Parsonage Street.

In addition, proposals were also given the green light in July to create four flats above Longfield charity shop and Dursley Family Pharmacy.

The latest application can be seen by quoting S.24/1541/P3E at tinyurl.com/23khbfan

Plans have been put forward to create new flats above Longfield and Blade King Barbershop in Dursley (Image: Google Maps)

"We must be mindful not to develop over viable commercial space"

Tony Davey, chair of Stroud Chamber of Trade, said: “Almost everyone accepts we have a housing crisis and more so when it comes to homes that are affordable or have affordable rents.

“Within our towns this means we need to think inventively about the space available can be used for best impact.

“Many businesses do not need the storage or floor space once needed, so utilising this for accommodation can be the perfect fit when above premises or even at the rear.

“More people living in our towns means better safety and security, plus less reliance on personal transport.

“However, we must be mindful not to develop over viable commercial space, as overdevelopment can overcome a town centre (if poorly managed) and essentially kill it.”

“There can also be unintentional consequences where too much housing is introduced, causing commercial valuations to be calculated more on accommodation than commercial use, artificially driving up rateable values and making commercial premises unviable.

“All in all, there is a careful balance to be struck, but more people living in a town centre has the potential to significantly bolster the local economy."