IMPROVEMENTS are being made to a former bike shop at the Top of Town.

The borough council gave permission for applicant Fishnet Properties Limited to make external alterations to 22-24 Winchester Street.

The unit was previously occupied by Basing Cycles before it closed in 2019.

The applicant has been given the go-ahead to install a new timber shopfront to replace the existing aluminium framed one, to include a more traditional design.

It is already converting the first and second floors of the property after being given permission to change them from office space to four, one-bedroom self-contained duplex apartments.

However, it said the recent proposals to update the shopfront will not alter the inside of the ground-floor retail unit or “the lawful residential floorspace”.

Concerns about the plans were raised by Chris Comer from Basingstoke Heritage Society, who asked for a replacement window frame and glass, along with the proposed front-door to be considered by the conservation officer.

He also raised concerns about fire safety, saying: “There only appears to be one staircase and no alternative means of escape in the event of a fire”.