A planning application has been submitted to expand Acorn Sports Podiatry Clinic into the vacant Hays Travel building on Stanwell Road.

The space in the Washington Buildings has been empty since Hays Travel left the site. The property was previously occupied by Tailor Made Travel who went into administration.

The plans show how the unit will comprise a larger waiting area with display shelves, a showroom with specialist items for sale, and two flexible use spaces for podiatry, chiropody and hair transplant treatment.

They also include a WC and shower will be provided for staff and customer use.

No external alterations are proposed other than refurbishment of the shop front, and a separate application will be made for the signage.

The expansion of the business will provide employment for an additional four full time and one part time members of staff, the application states.

"Mr Kerai's expanding sports podiatry and medical business would be a welcome addition to the High Street," writes the agent on behalf the building's owner.

"Without a change of use to accommodate the Tenant's proposed use, the property will continue to remain vacant in what is already a challenging market."

The design statement reads: "The current vacant unit provides a dead shop frontage in the street scene.

"The existing frontage is in need of refurbishment and a more attractive and inviting aesthetic which is becoming increasingly evident the longer the property remains empty.

"The proposed use will undoubtedly provide symbiotic business within Penarth, generating additional footfall.

"The premises are within a highly sustainable location with adaptive re-use of the existing vacant unit a positive for the street scene and wider area."