A dwelling that previously served as office space for two decades may be transformed back into a residence.

Planning officials at Monmouthshire County Council have received a submission seeking permission to change the use of the former Oak Leasing Limited offices situated at The Lookout on Mounton Road in Chepstow.

The site switched from residential classification to office accommodation following a 2005 ruling. Representatives D2H Limited, operating from Leek in Staffordshire, have now filed paperwork on behalf of Mr J Barter to reinstate residential status.

The scheme additionally encompasses a two-storey addition that would result in a four-bedroom home.

The building comprises one half of a pair of linked cottages. The neighbouring property has already undergone considerable enlargement, with the submission asserting this establishes an appropriate precedent for expansion.

The paperwork notes that although the 2005 consent sanctioned the office conversion, the original floor plan and interior configuration of the home were never actually altered.

The submission emphasises that the 2005 change of use was approved only for the applicant, Oak Leasing Limited, and the current request seeks to change the use back to residential to prevent any harm to neighbouring residential amenity from a potential office use now that the business has ceased trading from the address.

The applicants contend that reinstating residential status within a residential neighbourhood will positively contribute to the local housing stock.

The proposal satisfies Monmouthshire’s planning framework which encourages new housing development within the county’s principal settlements and makes productive use of previously developed land.

The plans incorporate secure bicycle storage facilities, electric vehicle charging points and provision for three cars to be parked on the premises.

The accompanying statement explains that the location is within a walkable neighbourhood and promotes active travel with its proximity to local services and access to public transport networks. The statement adds that there is no impact on neighbour amenity through the previously established residential use and that the proposal makes efficient use of land.