Plans to create a residential apartment in the top floor of a Front Street building has been given the green light by the Department of Planning.

A recent planning application by Kings Harbour Ltd proposed internal renovations to the British American Building at the corner of King Street and Front Street.

The proposal would change the building’s fourth floor from commercial use to residential use, creating a two-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, living area, bathroom and ancillary office space.

A report by planning officers said: “The residential unit can be accessed via an existing elevator and existing stairwell located centrally in the floor plan layout. Therefore, it will provide inclusive and level access for all building users.

“The proposals do not provide private outdoor living space, either at grade or above grade, as normally required.

“However, the City of Hamilton Plan is clear that there is discretion to vary the residential design standards specified in policies with regard to minimum unit size, private outdoor space and/or communal space, and on-site residential parking, provided the board is satisfied that the proposal complies with the requirements of the current Bermuda Building Code.

“In this instance, the lack of private outdoor space and/or communal space are considered acceptable given the constraints of working within the confines of the existing building and its central Hamilton location.”

The report writer added that the proposals did not include any external changes to the building, so there would be no change to the visual impact of the project.

“The requirement to retain verandas along the north side of Front Street will be met as that which exists will be retained,” the writer added.

No objections to the proposal was received and the plans were subsequently approved on July 29.