Plans have been submitted to build five houses at the site of the former Italian restaurant Isola Bella in Devizes.

The restaurant, run by the Campanella family, closed last November after the lease came to an end. They still own and run the Italian restaurant Franco’s and coffee shop and bakery Dolcipani in the town.

Andy Trusler, owner of APT Electrics based at Roundway Business Centre, has bought the Isola Bella building in Long Street and submitted plans for a change of use by converting it into three homes and building two cottages at the rear.

The property, which is Grade II listed, was originally two separate homes before they became architect’s offices and latterly a restaurant. Isola Bella was open for eight years.

In his application, Mr Trusler’s agent Ian Sullivan Architecture said: “The proposed alterations are intended to provide a long-term sustainable use for the two premises known as 2 and 3 Long Street.

"The proposed alterations have been developed to promote the long-term sustainable use of the designated heritage asset. The proposed works represent the minimum necessary for it to perform its new function as three houses in the 21st century.

“The works will not harm the character and appeal of the property nor have any detrimental effect on the wider setting.”

There are 18 car parking spaces to the rear and the application proposes five new spaces for the homes plus four spaces for next door.