NEW plans for a former Newport pub could see part of it converted into housing with the remainder serving as a food outlet.

A planning application has been lodged to change the use of the upper floors of the old Alexandra Inn in Pill, into a seven-bedroom HMO (House in Multiple Occupation).

The Victorian building on Commercial Road has laid empty since September, 2016, with previous plans to turn it into six flats thrown out by the city council.

Despite several recent ownership changes and planning applications, the property is vacant without any prospect of running as a pub in the future, according to the plans.

Under the proposals submitted to Newport council the front part of the ground floor would be kept as a food outlet.

Unlike previous applications the plans do not include accommodation on the ground floor.

The proposals would not change the external appearance of the four-storey building which is located on a street corner close to city centre facilities.

South Wales Argus:

A street view of the former pub

"The rooms are all a good size and will offer excellent accommodation whilst preserving the splendour of this Victorian building," a design access statement says.

"The applicant is not seeking to overdevelop the site.

"It is a large building. The ground floor food outlet will maintain public access into the building and offer a local resource.

"This type of accommodation is affordable. There is a proven demand for this type of HMO room."

Parking is available nearby, and tenants using such accommodation "are known to have lower car ownership figures," according to the application.

The plans have also taken account of flooding issues as the building is located in a flood area.

The former pub was sold at auction in October with developers "considering flats or HMOs."

It was sold for £146,500 after being listed with a guide of £95,000 plus with Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.

Sean Roper, who handled the sale, said at the time that the interest in the former pub was "quite phenomenal."

"Surprisingly it’s in very good condition having been re roofed about 10 years ago with double glazing installed throughout," he added.