ANOTHER empty Newport shop could become a residential property.

The empty former Swinton Insurance offices, occupying the ground floor of the Grade II listed building, on the lower part of Newport High Street, is the subject of a planning application to be turned into a one bedroom-flat.

The rest of the building, which according to the owner has been empty for three years, has already been given permission to be transformed into four flats.

In planning documents, the applicant, Kiran Sesetti, of Arks Estates, said for a number of years no interest had been shown in the retail premises, which is opposite the British Heart Foundation charity shop and next to Wight Grill House.

With the current economic climate and decline in the high street, Mr Sesetti thinks it is highly unlikely any interest will be shown in the future, especially as the shop is not on the main commercial route in Newport.

If permission is granted, it would be the second property in a row of three to be turned into residential units, with approval given in August this year to incorporate the former Medical Eye Centre shop, at 146, into the existing dwelling.

Sandwiched between the two, at 145, is Jaks Hair and Beauty, but permission was given in February to turn the rest of that building into flats.

To keep 'a semi-shop feel', Mr Sesetti is proposing putting an advertising board on the front of the shop.

To view the proposals, 20/01940/LBC, or comment on the application, you can visit the Isle of Wight Council's planning portal. Comments can be made until Friday, December 18.