ANDOVER Radio is pushing ahead with its next step to get on air.

The upcoming media outlet plans to use Portland House office space and has submitted a planning application to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to change the property’s use to office and radio studio purposes.

The station’s community development arm, Love Andover, is looking to operate from the same High Street building which housed American Express ten years ago.

Andover Radio co-director David Harber said: “We are excited about taking on the premises in the High Street, which, true to the spirit of being ‘open to all’, has disabled access to our first-floor offices.

“Considering we’re only really putting improved offices in some old dilapidated offices, it has been a painfully long slog to get to this stage - we started agreeing the lease in June last year.”

The organisation plans to host broadcasting studios at Portland House but also offer a “creative working environment” in the open office area.

Mr Harber added: “Ultimately, the space will be a collaborative working environment where we invite local charitable organisations to make use of our facilities to promote the great work they do around the town.

“We also have agreement with the landlord to use the space to help small-to-medium enterprises and start-up businesses grow in Andover.”

The Love Andover team is hoping to jazz up the currently empty offices with a bright colour scheme, a small TV studio and breakout room.

There are currently no objections listed on the online application.

Mr Harber said once the planning application is agreed and the studios are installed, Andover Radio will be able to confirm a date it will take to the air waves.

The station is currently recruiting for local volunteers to present music and speech programmes, anyone interested can contact hello@loveandover.com.

To view the plan, go to testvalley.gov.uk/planning-and-building/viewplanningapplicationsonline and search using the reference 17/03147/FULLN.