PROMINENT solicitors offices in Weston could soon be transformed into a restaurant and a block of flats. A restaurant chain has bought the home of the Weston branch of John Hodge Solicitors in the Boulevard and plans to turn it into an Italian restaurant

PROMINENT solicitors offices in Weston could soon be transformed into a restaurant and a block of flats.A restaurant chain has bought the home of the Weston branch of John Hodge Solicitors in the Boulevard and plans to turn it into an Italian restaurant and 14 flats.Bottelino's, which is based in Bristol and has a chain of restaurants in the South West, believes the offices are a prime spot for an eatery and has submitted a planning application to North Somerset Council.Previously an application to turn the site into 24 flats was dismissed by a Government inspector in July 2005.Bottelino's now wants to build a four-storey extension at the back of the building and a two-storey extension on the east side to create the 14 flats, which will be used primarily to accommodate staff.The building is not listed but lies in a conservation area. North Somerset hopes to decide on the application before June 22.Oxford Architects, acting on behalf of Bottelino's, says in a letter to the council: "The north facade of the building has been finished in render and left unpainted. Time has meant that it is now looking dowdy and tired and in need of improvement."The Boulevard itself is a thriving area with good quality retail and leisure tenants running out from the main shopping area and off Waterloo Street."Our client has been successful with several restaurants in the South West and has bought the site after recognising its obvious strengths as a restaurant location.