PLANS to turn an empty town centre office into a two-bedroom flat have been unveiled.

New Forest District Council has received an application relating to the first floor of 97a High Street, Lymington.

The ground floor of the Grade II-listed building is occupied by a sweet shop called Truffles of Lymington.

A statement that accompanies the application says the office could be converted into a "generous" apartment with a kitchen/living area and a large bathroom, plus one double bedroom and a single bedroom.

It adds: "The sash windows will be kept and all skylights will be maintained, offering ample natural light into all newly-created rooms."

The statement says the office was bought by the current owner in 2020.

"The property has remained empty ever since, despite multiple attempts to find a tenant. Due to the recent pandemic and more people working from home, the demand for office space has drastically reduced.

"This, coupled with the fact that affordable housing is in great demand, means a change of use is a very logical solution.

"The layout of the office allows a simple reconfiguration of the space, with little impact to its surroundings.

"The owner of the shop has offered great support for the plans.

"She has indicated that having a permanent resident in the property would offer security to the rest of the building, rather than a cold, empty office sitting vacant for future years."