A FORMER financial advisors could be pressing ink of a different kind if a planning application is granted.

An application has been submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to transform the old GCA Financial Services office in New Street, Top of The Town, into a tattoo parlour.

Lost Soul Tattoo Ltd has applied to open a new studio in the currently vacant premises.

A planning statement submitted to the borough council by Lost Soul Tattoo director Ashley Paice read: “I want to break the norms of a tattoo studio and create a classy, welcoming studio that is appealing to everyone providing custom tattoos and somewhere everyone feels welcome.

“There will be no internal or external changes to the property as inside will be open plan so no construction of walls etc, and we are keeping the current signage, just changing the colour from white to black.”

If permission is granted, it is believed the venture will create jobs for two artists to work alongside Ashley and there will be a receptionist vacancy.

The outlet's proposed opening hours would be from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

In the planning statement Ashley added he wants the new store to break away from any preconceived stereotypes which surround tattoo culture.

The statement added: “After working as a tattoo artist and building a clientele base in Basingstoke many customers always talk of finding tattoo studios being unapproachable or stereotypically scary.

“Which is why I’m creating a space where all ages over 18 feel comfortable and would not feel anxious about walking into.”

Ashley also said that the store would host charity days with money being raised for St Michael’s Hospice.

For more information on the application, go to

planning.basingstoke.gov.uk

and search for 19/01276/FUL.