Vacant offices could be turned into a block of flats.

Plans for prior approval to turn Boundary House, in Boundary Road, Hove, into flats were approved by Brighton and Hove City Council on Tuesday.

The plans could see 14 one-bedroom flats and four two-bedroom flats created in the two-storey building, which was once a job centre.

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However, the council has said that full planning permission is still required for the new arrangement of windows in the building and the proposed extension, which have been set out in the plans before anyone can move in.

The council also require applicant Warwick Trustees Limited to provide further details and plans for parking arrangements for future residents.

Before approval was given, a few residents commented their views on the planning application.

One person who lives near the building said: "We strongly oppose this application.

"The proposed change from office building to residential building would hugely impact our privacy, as our garden and kitchen/living room would be overlooked at all times and all days of the week.

"Having 40 new residents in such close proximity will create a lot of noise, and the additional pressure on parking and traffic will further worsen the already strained local roads."

Another person who lives close to the building said: "The proposed plans to turn Boundary House to flats are not something I strongly object to in terms of height, but in terms of design this would affect our quality of living as the flats entrances would face our property/ garden, which would cause noise levels to increase and overlook our garden.

"This would invade our privacy. It surely makes more sense to design the flats with entrances to the buildings facing south as not to overlook or disturb residents on Hallyburton Road."

More plans are expected to be submitted in the coming months before changes to the property can be made and residents can move in.