A prominent Victorian house which is now divided into apartments could be extended to fit more flats if a new application is approved.

 Andrew Whiting wants to build a two-storey extension to  Clifton House, which sits at the end of the terrace of Lethbridge Road and looks across the  junction with Devizes Road in Old Town

It is currently divided into four flats.

Mr Whiting’s plan is to knock down the small bin and cycle store buildings that sit at an angle between the house and the boundary with Devizes Road.

In that space he would put the new extension.

His application says the existing building would remain largely untouched: “The existing three-storey building is retained and dates around 1880. All elements relating to the building remain as their current fabric and condition."

The application says the building is not listed – but it looks directly at the Royal Oak pub, which is: “The Royal Oak Public House is situated directly opposite the application site and therefore views are possible. It is considered that the proposals have no potential to affect the significance of the Grade II listed building.

The new extension would also sit at an angle to the main house, and would hold a one-be3d flat on the ground floor and two studio apartments on the first floor.

The application says: “An opportunity exists to layout the building in a fashion that will retain and reflect the character of the street and the grain of the surrounding urban area.

“The new dwelling will be carefully designed within the building perimeters to ensure satisfactory living conditions for new residents, whilst also maintaining the amenity enjoyed by surrounding buildings.

“The new flats would sympathetically pay regard to the development potential, taking account of the general character of surrounding properties, the scale of buildings and the identified constraints.”

Mr Whiting adds: “This small-scale scheme has been designed in order to prevent a cramped and overdeveloped site.”

He says the extension will not overlook any neighbours or detract from their enjoyment of their homes or gardens and that it will provide needed housing and go a small way in improving the shortfall in Swindon Borough Council’s shortfall in having a five-year housing land shortfall.

Neighbours can comment on the plans at the council’s website swindon.gov.uk using reference S/24/0186. The deadline is Monday, March 18.