NEW plans have been submitted to convert a dilapidated historical building in Winchester city centre one year after a previous one was withdrawn. 

The grade two listed building, in The Square, has been empty for many years and for decades it was the famous Gilbert's bookshop between 1904 and 1999. Latterly it was a hair salon.

Property developer Mohamed Bakhaty withdrew an application last August to convert it into a restaurant on the ground floor and three flats above. A new planning application has now been submitted. 

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On the application's planning statement, it said: “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 first, and one residential unit on 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.”

Plans for building in The Square (Image: WCC)

It added: “The application includes replacement windows and doors to the ground floor frontage and 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. The building has been unoccupied for some time and the proposed renovations will allow it to be restored to full use again.”

By Tuesday, August 27 no public comments had been submitted in support or objection. 

For more details about the plans online, search 24/01115/LIS on Winchester City Council's planning portal.