A 200-YEAR-OLD former solicitor’s office in Chepstow could be transformed into an 18-room hotel if submitted plans are approved.

The building in Welsh Street was the home of Francis and Co for 180 years until the firm moved offices in July 2016.

Since being purchased last year, the building has been vacant apart from being used for storage space by its new owners.

But a planning application submitted by Graham Frecknall Architects seeks to breathe new life into the historic building.

The plans involve the building of a new staircase and internal lift to allow for access to the proposed bedrooms in the basement and attic.

Other works include a new entrance lobby and the demolition of a rear extension to separate the main building and the single storey annex.

A planning report says: “The development proposes to provide an efficient and practical hotel development within the town of Chepstow. The proposals been carefully designed to cause minimal impact to the conservation area and enhance where possible.”

“By minor internal alterations of partition walls and the removal of the existing two staircases within the main building, an efficient bedroom layout can be achieved, creating excellent sized bedrooms with en-suites per floor.”

If approved, future guests at the hotel will benefit from 18 onsite car parking spaces, including two disabled bays and cycle spaces.

The proposed hotel would also provide jobs, with three full-time and part-time employees planned for the new venture.

Molly Edwards, heritage officer for Monmouthshire County Council, has backed the plans, saying the change of use would be “an improvement and will offer the building a new and sustainable use”.

Chepstow Town Council also recommended that the application be approved by the local authority at a meeting on 15th June.

The plans are expected to go before the county council’s planning committee in the coming months.