PLANS have been submitted to convert the former home of the Hereford Times into homes.

Applicant Mr J Rai wants to convert the entrance hall and first floor of the building, in Hereford's Holmer Road, into 12 homes.

Hereford Times: The view from the first floor of the building across the A49 to the racecourseThe view from the first floor of the building across the A49 to the racecourse

The application to determine if prior approval is required for the proposed change of use from commercial use to dwellinghouses has been submitted to Herefordshire Council.

Hereford Times: The Hereford Times Holmer Road office in days gone byThe Hereford Times Holmer Road office in days gone by

The application said Mr Rai is seeking to convert the first floor of the building, currently a largely open-plan office area, into flats or bedsits.

There are dedicated parking spaces in front of the building and on the nearby service road, while a new bin store will be constructed outside, if the plans go ahead.

The downstairs businesses in the building, which is next to Special Metals Wiggin and owned in its entirety by the applicant, will not be affected.

Hereford Times: An unusual visitor in the reception area of the former Hereford Times officeAn unusual visitor in the reception area of the former Hereford Times office

The Hereford Times moved to its new home in Rotherwas in 2020 after 30 years in Holmer Road, and the building has been empty since.

Agent John Farr said the offices have been empty for 'several years' with no interest shown by an alternative user.