PLANS have been submitted to convert part of a former fashion store in Newquay town centre into residential properties following its closure.

A lawful development certificate for a proposed change of use planning application has been submitted to convert store rooms, staff rooms and toilets on the first floor level of the former New Look shop in Bank Street into two, two-bedroom apartments.

The work comprises the removal of partitions, construction of new partitions to suit the layout and installation of bathrooms and kitchens.

The developer argues utilising the first floor space for residential would benefit the existing building and maintain mixed use in the centre of Newquay as it may otherwise be left unlettable and unused.

A spokesperson for Mark Davis Limited Chartered Quantity Surveyors said: “The existing building comprises a retail shop unit at ground floor of circa 158 m2 recently occupied by New Look until their liquidation in 2022/23 with storerooms, staff room and toilets at first floor level.

“Following New Look vacating the property the ground floor has been refurbished with a new staff toilet and kitchenette and it is proposed to be let to another retailer.

“The first floor is a large space divided into smaller rooms previously used as storage for the retailer; future tenants do not require such large storage space therefore it is proposed to convert this space into two apartments under the current Permitted Development Class MA of August 2021.

“The space at first floor is less than 1500 m2 and has now been vacant for more than three months.

“The proposals will not affect the front elevation onto Bank Street as the existing first floor windows will be retained and utilised for Flat 1 rooms. Adequate natural light and ventilation will be provided from existing and new windows at the revised rear elevation for flat two.

“Access to both flats will be afforded at the rear via the existing pedestrian footpath which runs between Bank Street and Manor Road and the existing rear gate access which serves 18 to 22 Bank Street.

“There is adequate space at the rear of the first floor for storage of bins, cycles and surf boards.

“The existing layout at first floor will require the remodelling of the existing space and moving partitions to more suitable room spaces, however most of these are non-load bearing stud partitions so will not affect the structure of the building.

“The proposal for two two bedroom flats is not considered over development of the space which is an awkward dogleg type layout.

“Ceres Estates own various other retail properties throughout England and Scotland and have successfully completed similar conversion of unwanted upper floor space into residential apartments.”