An historic building in Flatts could be given a new lease of life, according to a planning application submitted by the Ministry of Public Works.

The application proposes turning The Watch House, located next to Flatts Post Office on Middle Road in Smith’s, into open-plan commercial offices.

The plans include the addition of a kitchenette and a new bathroom extension on the north east corner of the building, along with a series of electrical, mechanical and plumbing upgrades.

The Watch House was listed as a Grade 2 Historic Building in 1999, but the planning application noted that the Ministry had consulted with the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee about the project.

The application said the HBAC was fine with proposals that did not remove the fireplace and chimney from the design.

The application added: “In keeping with this, we have moved the bathroom extension to the rear of the building – the northern end – and extended it westerly on the level grade area which allows for the chimney to remain intact.”

A Grade 2 listing protects buildings that are of special interest or architectural or historical value, and limits work to projects that do not impinge on certain parts of the building and maintain the structural and decorative style.

The Government-owned building, which is now used as a meeting hall, was historically one of two parish “lock ups”.

The building was originally two structures connected by a wooden bridge, but the buildings were joined for use as a Petty Sessions courthouse in 1936.