PLANS have been submitted to create 48 new homes on the site of an approved office build.

The application for the land East of Knowle Lane, Horton Heath details how four approved office blocks, which are yet to be constructed, would be made into four apartment blocks, comprised of 48 new homes.

This would include 24 one-bedroom flats and 24 two-bedroom flats with access available through the existing Knowle Lane junction.

Four of the ground floor apartments would be wheelchair accessible with level access terraces and mobility scooter stores, as well as disabled parking spots.

In total, 72 parking spaces would be created and would be located in the courtyard areas between the apartment blocks.

The developer, Parsons Construction Limited, was originally granted planning permission in 2019 and 2020 for four office blocks, to go with its existing set of offices on the site.

Because of the pandemic though, it says it has been unable to find occupiers for the offices, and therefore is looking to use the land for the new homes.

The developer said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has confirmed the general trend as employees continue to work productively at home.

“There is no motivation for employers to alter this trend as it saves on costs of leasing or buying office space.

“Despite marketing of the offices since early 2020, no interest has been shown.”

The site of the proposed new homes is within walking distance to Horton Heath and Fair Oak, and also has several bus stops nearby.

Close by, there is a wildlife site with a lake as well as the East Horton Golf Club. The developer claims that the homes will reduce traffic in the area, compared with its original plans for offices.