PLANS have been submitted to extend a Winchester city centre building upwards to make room for new flats.

The proposals would see an additional storey added to Trowbridge Court, above the D&G Hardware store.

That would then allow four one-bedroom flats to be constructed, and would bring the building height in-line with with the neighbouring structure.

According to a design and access statement by Brooks Murray Architects, the scheme has been stepped back from the front elevation to reduce the impact of the new storey from the street.

It added: "By pulling in the top floor, it makes the proposed storey subordinate to the rest of the building and maintains the perception of the buildings stepping down as you go down the street."

The new flats would be accessed by a new staircase to the rear of the building.

A previous attempt had been made to raising the roof of the building to accommodate more flats was made in 1997, but the five-home scheme was refused by Winchester City Council planners.

The site was given permission in 1996 to turn the former office space into the nine flats currently there.

So far, no comments either in support or against the plans have been lodged.

A decision is expected by September 11.