The offices above a central Swindon building which became something of a landmark due to its prominent branding can be turned into flats despite concerns of a lack of space.

Developer Build Real Estate was given the prior approval it sought to turn the two storeys above the building that wraps around th4e corner of Commercial Road and Regent Circus, which used to be used by, and bear the colourful, bold livery of solicitors Royds Withy King, into 10 flats.

The proposal is to turn the two upper storeys into five flats apiece, with a late revision to the plans showing four of the apartments would be suitable for one person to live in, and one each of either floor suitable for a couple.

Each flat will feature an open plan living, dining room and kitchen and three per floor will face across Commercial Road, and two on each floor will face the Town Hall across Regent Circus.

The short application from Build Real Estate said: “The proposed development seeks to provide 10 appropriately-sized flats, with associated amenities, that will meet a need for smaller units of accommodation in a highly suitable and sustainable location.”

No parking is allocated to the apartments. Under Swindon Borough Council’s parking requirements neither employment nor residential schemes right in the centre of town need provide space for cars.

The application said: "The provision of a designated cycle store with a specified number of cycle spaces is seen as supporting the borough council’s policy on promoting alternative modes of travel to the private car.”

The borough council’s own urban design officer expressed some concerns about space. The two flats suitable for two-person habitation don’t meet the national standards for storage space, And the officer was concerned that should two people try to squeeze into the flats designed for a single inhabitant, that would be contrary to national standards.

The officers report added that all flats have natural light but: “the majority of flats appear to be single aspect, which is not favourable. I deem this generally acceptable due to their southern/eastern orientation that overlooks active streets and the town-hall.

South Swindon Parish Council objected that the flats were too small.

That was not enough to prevent the council granting approval.

The downstairs shop units are also being refurbished. The solicitors’ firm has moved and the units are to be used by Chancellor estate agents which is based next door and is expanding.