A FORMER office block near Basingstoke railway station could be turned into over 150 new flats if plans are given the green light by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Normandy Estate Company has applied to the borough council for permission to change the use of Normandy House, in Alencon Link, from an office block into 153 new flats.

The block was the former office for computer giant, IBM, until they moved staff to offices in Farnborough and Hursley in 2013.

The applicant is proposing a mix of 106 one-bedroom flats and 47 two-bedroom flats and if the application is approved by the borough council, 283 car parking spaces at the site will be retained.

The application says: “The proposed development is understood to comprise the change of current commercial use to high rise residential apartments with limited soft landscaping, through internal refurbishment works only. No external alterations or significant works requiring breaking ground are proposed.

“This high level of accessibility, especially to Basingstoke railway station and the town centre will result in a predominance of travel to and from the development via sustainable modes of transport.”

A decision on the application is expected to be made by the borough council by May 12.