RETAIL facilities in Bramley could be set to be transformed into houses.

An application submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to change units in The Street, Bramley.

The current vacant site used to house a barber shop and tanning salon; however, the businesses were not successful and were forced to close.

The applicant seeks to change the premises into one two-bedroom flat and three one-bedroom flats.

In the planning statement submitted to the borough council, it read: “Over the years several businesses have tried to make a success of themselves whilst operating from here, but it has proved very difficult.

“The position of the business being so close to the railway crossing means that people struggle to get there or get away due to queuing traffic and any business working on an appointments basis, such as the two most recent ones, struggle to work.”

The application continues: “We feel that a residential use would be a much better use of this building, reduce the frequency of traffic going to and from it, reduce the number of visitors per day, not have small businesses with potentially late opening hours and therefore have a positive impact on residential amenity.”

If the development is given the green light, the property would not have any further parking spaces allocated, as the five existing spaces are believed to be significant for any potential residents.

The planning statement goes on to read: “ At present in Bramley the housing market is booming and buying/renting has become very expensive.

“In social terms the development would contribute towards meeting the housing need of the area.”

For more information on the plans visit planning.basingstoke.gov.uk and search 19/01710/FUL.