Planning permission has been granted to convert offices in Seaton into two houses and to build three additional new homes on adjoining land. 

East Devon District Council has approved the plans at Willoughby House in Fore Street, which is currently used as offices for Focal Research.

The property was originally constructed as a large, individual house and garden. In 2009, permission was granted to change its use to office space and it has since been occupied by market research company Focal Research. 

The owners have since acquired a further section of adjoining land from Devon County Council, which included formal agreement to create direct pedestrian access to The Underfleet.

The three-storey building will be converted into two separate houses – one with three bedrooms and one with four. 

Three new two-bedroom houses will be built on the adjoining land. 

The development will also include formation of an internal access road and pedestrian access to The Underfleet through the construction of steps.

The development will be carried out in two phases, with the new houses being built first before conversion of the original house. 

The offices will be able to continue operating until the second phase.