A charity's plans to revert its office space back into affordable housing is given the green light by Richmond Council.

The Richmond Charities's put forward the proposal as the organisation "no longer requires" the office space at 10 Michel's Almshouses, The Vineyard.

In its application the charity said: "No.10 Michel's Almshouse was originally an almshouse and was converted to office use on the ground floor in 2005.

"The office on the ground floor consists of 2no. desks for The Richmond Charities' staff and the first floor is an underused guest accommodation."

"Returning the building to residential use will bring an underutilised office back into much needed affordable housing."

The conversion to housing will not see staff at 10 Michel's Almshouses lose employment, rather they will move to The Richmond Charities' main office at 95 Sheen Road, Richmond to "improve team collaboration, communication and organisation efficiency."

With plans approved, the charity will turn the office and guest bedroom into one single dwelling, which would be used as an Almshouse.

"Furthermore, an additional dwelling meets the increased demand for supported accommodation for older people and vulnerable residents which allows the charity to fulfil its core social objectives," added The Richmond Charities.

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The organisation has been housing and supporting elderly people throughout Richmond upon Thames for over 400 years.

The first of Richmond's almshouses were Queen Elizabeth's Almshouses, founded in 1600.

To read the full planning application click here.