A Chepstow building is one step closer to being brought back into shape after a recent application to the town council's planning department was recommended for approval.

The Old Bell Chambers, on Bank Street is a Grade II listed building but has become severely run-down over recent years. However this latest plan looks set to see the building transformed.

Applicants have proposed "to bring this listed building back into good order structurally, to ensure longevity of use".

Planners aim to retain the shops on the ground floor, but to convert the first floor into two one bedroom flats (permission for this was first granted in 2009) and both the second and third floors will be made into three-bedroom flats.

It is intended that all internal features will be retaining and no external alterations will be made.

Also included in the proposal is the plan to covert the old toilet block outside into a retail outlet.

Council planners recommended approval but noted their concerns over accessible fire escape routes. The proposal will now be passed to Monmouthshire County Council for a final decision.