The site of an independent tattoo parlour could become a home in new plans. 

Property dealer Sussex Heritage Properties has applied to turn what was once The Black House Tattoo in Grand Parade, Brighton, into a one-bed flat.

The Black House Tattoo moved to a new site in Clifton Hill in October and the former site in Grand Parade has been left empty since.

In the plans submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council, the dealer says that the proposed conversion would create a new home without needing to make many external alterations.

It said: “The ground floor was in retail use until it became vacant in September and would be better served as residential accommodation in light of the current housing shortage across the city.”

The building is in the Valley Gardens Conservation Area.

Sussex Heritage Properties said that the plans to turn the retail unit into a home are encouraged in the study into the area.

The study reads: “The character of Valley Gardens stems from its wide mix of uses.

“This mix of uses is a characteristic of the area's development since the late 18th century.”

“New uses should respect the existing character of each sub-area but in general further residential use within Valley Gardens should be encouraged, particularly on vacant sites.”