Plans have been submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council which hope to "breathe new life" into vacant offices in the city. 

The applicant, Mr Imran Rashid, is seeking permission to transform vacant offices on The Strand, Longton, into two commercial units with a ten-bedroom HMO above. 

Mr Rashid's planning application is for the "change of use of the ground floor to two retail units alongside replacement shopfronts and a change of use of the first and second floor into self-contained small HMOs". 

According to the application, "We plan to use energy-efficient electrical heaters and individual sub-meters for tenants, promoting sustainability. The building's revitalization will improve aesthetics, security, and footfall in the area.

"The building will provide 10 single occupancy HMO bedrooms. Each bedroom will have use of a shared communal area on each floor for social interaction and food preparation and consumption."

It is hoped that these plans will 'breathe new life' into The Strand (Nub News).

Six cycle spaces would also be created for residents as free parking is limited in the immediate surroundings. 

A Statement of Significance says: "The intention is to make the ground floor suitable for two independent shops or commercial facilities. The shops will be of beneficial interest to the surrounding town. 

"This will be let out to commercial tenants endeavoring to seek for passing clientele for things like massages or relax-therapy type treatments for the southernmost unit. The northernmost unit would be a suitable coffee cafe or barber shop or estate agents."

A decision is expected regarding these plans in the coming months. 

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READ MORE: Popular Stoke-on-Trent charity shop to close this weekend 

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