A PLANNING application has been submitted to the city council to transform a dilapidated historical building on The Square in Winchester.

The building has stood empty for many years and for decades it was the famous Gilbert's bookshop between 1904 and 1999. Latterly it was a hair salon.

The planning application by Breslin Architecture has been submitted on behalf of local developer Mohamed Bakhaty. It proposes a restaurant on the ground floor and three flats above.

Mr Bahkhaty recently bought the Georgian building which was previously owned by St John's Winchester Charity.

The proposal states: “This application is to change the use of the ground floor, cellar, first and second floor and associated alterations. The proposed change will provide two residential units on the first, and one residential unit on the second floor.

“Ground floor will remain as a commercial unit as its previous use but will change from shop to restaurant with the cellar level providing ancillary storage and toilets. The application includes replacement windows and doors to the ground floor frontage and a new canopy for outdoor dining.

“These proposed changes are in response to market demand for an increased need for residential accommodation that supports individual living, and the better use of current space as a restaurant on the lower floors.

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“The building has been unoccupied for some time and the proposed renovations will allow it to be restored to full use again.”

The planning application has already seen some support from the City of Winchester Trust. In its supporting document, the trust said: “This is a listed building that contributes to the group value of buildings in The Square. The existing frontage onto The Square is not in good condition.”

However, the trust’s statement also says that the application must have some changes made to it before it can be fully supported, saying: “The application presents the existing front northwest elevation, but no proposed elevation is offered showing the proposed renovation work required. A fully annotated proposed elevation is required to support this application. The listed building consent application needs to show the proposed internal and external alterations.”

Mr Bakhaty is not alone is developing High Street units and returning residential use. Gentian Development is adding flats to the building that included the Closs and Hamblin store further down the High Street.

More information about the application can be found by visiting the Winchester City Council planning portal and searching using reference 23/01284/FUL.