Office conversion in Monmouth approved

A former office in Monmouth is to be converted to a flat which councillors hope will help boost affordable housing in the town.

Monmouthshire County Council has granted change of use planning permission for the former office at 113 A Monnow Street.

Applicant Eric Lewis said the office had last been used by a firm of accountants, with three staff, but has been empty since June 2021 with no interest in anyone else taking on the space.

His intention is to let the property as a one bedroom flat with a kitchen, lounge bathroom and “small” study.

Monmouth Town Council said it had no objections and recommended the county council approve the application.

It said: “Councillors agreed that it was a positive step in the call for more affordable housing in Monmouth and felt that the loss of office space would have minimal impact on the high street.”

The building is within the Monmouth Conservation area but isn’t listed and there were no objections from the county’s heritage officer.