SEVEN new flats could be built in Newport’s main shopping street, if city council planners approve a new application.

The upper floors of 35-36 Commercial Street are currently designated as office space, but would be converted into seven new homes over three storeys.

Those flats would be located above two retail units at the corner of Commercial Street and Friars Street, which are currently occupied by baby boutique business Ruby Lou's - which closed its shop and moved online last June - and a mobile phone repairs store.

If approved, the conversion work would results in a loss of 43 square metres of retail space towards the rear of those units, which planning documents state are “not used” currently.

That space would be replaced by access routes to the new flats, as well as a bin storage area and cycling storage.

Entranceways to the storage areas and to the flats would be added to Friars Street, a narrow lane which connects Commercial Street to the Friars Walk shopping centre.

“These openings would not require a new shopfront alteration as those would be within the flank side of the building,” planning documents submitted for the applicant show.

“As Friar[s] Street is a tight pedestrianised street, these alterations would improve the street and security of the area and would not harm this conservation area and would not be harmful to these characterful buildings.”

Those documents also describe the proposed flats as having “the adequate standard of internal areas”.

“Except one unit all flats would benefit from double aspects, therefore providing a good ventilation and accommodation for future occupants,” the applicant said.

If the flats are built, the new development would be “suitable for young people and professionals due to its location and not for families”.

The developments would be “car-free” with no off-street parking included in the plans.

Instead the proposal “would support the sustainable ways of transport and there would be off-street cycle parking within the site. This cycle storage would be easily accessible and secure for the future occupiers”.

The plans have been submitted to the council and are now open for consultation before Newport City Council’s planners make a final decision on the application.

To view the plans, search for reference 23/0125 on the planning page of the Newport City Council website.