A planning application has been submitted to bring the basement of a historic Leamington Spa home back into use.

The property, on the corner of Dale Street and Portland Place, dates back to around 1832. 

Spread over four floors, including a full basement, it has been used as both a single home and later split into apartments.

It is still used for housing today.

The basement has been out of use for some time and is described in the application as being in poor condition. 

The basement has been out of use for some time and is described in the application as being in poor condition (image via planning application)

The planning application states it was likely once used for household tasks such as cooking and laundry.

Signs of this include remains of painted plaster, a blocked fireplace, and a bricked-up window on the west-facing wall.

The proposed changes are fairly minimal according to the application (image via planning application)

Most of the original brick walls will stay in place, with only small adjustments to improve access and make space for a new kitchen and bathroom.

The planning application states that bringing the basement back into use as living accommodation will help ensure the building's long-term preservation: "The introduction of living accommodation in the basement will bring the building fully back into use, which will help support its long-term survival."

It also highlights the positive impact the work will have on the building's condition: "The improvement of the damp conditions will also contribute positively towards the survival of the fabric."

(image via planning application)

In conclusion, the planning application states that the works will cause "no harm to the significance of the Heritage Asset" and will help "secure its optimal viable use in support of its long-term conservation."

View the full plans here.