A struggle to sell retail spaces in an Isle of Wight village could see part of a local landmark turned into flats.
Formerly the wax works museum on Brading High Street, the Rectory Mansion was changed into multiple retail and office units in 2012.
As part of the redevelopment, it was stipulated the use of some of the space could only be for antiques or crafts.
However, despite trying to attract new tenants, part of the building has been empty for some time.
Now, Lillyjames Ltd is seeking permission to turn some of the space into residential properties.
On the first floor, three retail units could be merged into one flat and one bedsit.
On the second floor, offices and vacant floor space would be turned into two single-person bedsit flats — each with an open plan living, kitchen, bed space and shower room.
In a planning statement submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, the applicants said they have tried every angle to make the empty units viable in their eight years of running the complex but there is no call for them.
Planning agents, Andrew White Planning Consultancy, said there is simply no interest in above ground floor commercial units and some previous tenants have had to leave, defaulting on payments.
The viability of the building and complex is at serious risk, it said, and this proposal seeks to preserve the retail function, benefiting the building as a whole.
By turning them into residential spaces, the planning agents said it would help improve the vitality of the area by bringing back occupation to the currently empty premises.
No alterations are proposed for the exterior of the building and there will be no change to the existing ground floor.
You can view the plans, 23/01049/FUL, on the council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until July 28.
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