A GRADE II listed building in the centre of Newport could be converted into 16 affordable flats if a planning application is given the green light.

An application to convert Gloucester Chambers at the corner of High Street and Skinner Street into 10 two-bedroom flats and six one-bedroom flats, all of which will be owned and managed by social housing body Seren Group, is due to be discussed at a meeting of Newport City Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, February 3.

If the plans go ahead, the flats will be built on the first, second and third floor of the building, which is believed to have been built around 1890 and is described in council planning documents as being “French Renaissance style”.

In its report to the committee the council’s planning department has recommended the application should be approved subject to a Section 106 agreement with Seren Group.

“The proposed residential use of the vacant upper floors of this building is welcomed,” it read.

“It is considered that the proposed conversion is sympathetic to the character of the Conservation Area and Listed Building and its residential use will enhance the area as a whole.”

Although the upper floors of the building housed a number of shops and businesses over 20th century, but has laid empty for a number of years.

A report into the history and significance of the building put together by Roberts Limbrick Architects, which has an office in Gold Tops, described it as “an extravagant piece, at least externally”.

“Externally the building retains much the same exuberant silhouette it was designed with,” the report said.

“The separation of No.31 from the main Gloucester Chambers block is emphasised with the additional height and a lofty, heavily ornamented feature gable.

“The composition is balanced by the polygonal tower at the corner of High Street and Skinner Street which is the buildings defining feature. “

No objections have been received to the plans, which are part of a wider redevelopment of the entire block between Griffin Street and Skinner Street.

Wednesday’s meeting at Newport Civic Centre is open to the public and will begin at 10am.

To view the full plans visit newport.gov.uk and search for application 15/1276.