PLANS have been submitted to extend a tattoo parlour that has been in Winchester city centre for more than a decade.

An application has been lodged with the city council to change to use of 9 Stonemason's Court, in Parchment Street, from retail to body piercing and tattooing.

It would see current parlour Asgard, which faces onto Parchment Street, knock through the internal wall to create one larger unit.

The front facing Parchment Street would become a reception area with the move the piercing and tattoo studio into the rear shop.

Owner Caron Newson bought the unit in November and it has been empty since then. She told the Chronicle: "It has been on the cards for some time.

"When we moved to Winchester 15 years ago that was all that was available. It will give us the opportunity to take on another artist."

Mrs Newson added that she was happy with the current level of support that she is receiving as a small business owner, but said that she would have to see what the effect would be if the proposal is approved.

Stonemason's court is currently occupied by the businesses including Flat Whites, which opened a cafe there following the success of the pop-up van just off the High Street, and celebrity hairdresser Guy Kremer.

The unit being converted was formerly Charming Magpies, a vintage clothing store.

A decision is expected in early May.