Plans have been submitted for the construction of more flats in Stevenage - this time above a bookmakers in the Old Town.

Under the proposal, submitted by Oakwood Planning and Design Ltd, three one-bedroom studios and two one-bedroom flats will be erected.

The properties will reside above the Betfred and The Broken Seal Taproom at 29a and 29c the High Street.

Furthermore, the applicant is requesting permission from Stevenage Borough Council for the property to change from an office building to residential use.

The site is currently an office block on a narrow site facing Church Lane to the east, and Basils Road to the north.

The proposed site plan for the five-flat development.The proposed site plan for the five-flat development. (Image: Oakwood Planning & Design Ltd) According to the plans, the property's "habitable rooms" will be along the frontages to Basils Road and Church Lane to make the best possible use of natural light and views, while non-habitable rooms and communal corridors are located along the rear wall of the property and are lit by high level windows.

All residences will be located on one floor with each including a kitchen/dining/living space and a bedroom. The one-bedroom studio's will be 50m squared, while the normal flats will be 38m squared. 

Read More:

The proposed first floor plans for the five-flat development.The proposed first floor plans for the five-flat development. (Image: Oakwood Planning & Design Ltd) In a statement the applicants said: "The proposal is for the type of housing that is recognised by the local authority as being required in Stevenage and will contribute towards meeting housing targets for the area."

Due to its location - in Stevenage Old Town - the applicant said "great care has been taken to ensure that its appearance remains largely unaltered" too.

Previously, an application for external changes to the building, including a new staircase (fire escape) was approved in September.

The plans are currently under public consultation until Thursday, November 28.

To view the application in its entirety go to Stevenage Borough Council's planning portal and search 24/00784/CPA.