Plans for new student flats in a former charity shop near Lancaster bus station have gone in for a decision.
The proposal is for six studio flats and a ground floor rental office at 1 Damside Street, in an empty building formerly home to The Children's Society charity shop.
The plans by owners Student Lettings Ltd, who bought the property in 2023, include raising the height of the building by adding two new storeys.
Their part-retrospective application is for the "change of use of shop with storage above, to a mixed-use unit comprising of a commercial unit at ground floor and six studio flats above, construction of a second and third floor extension including raised replacement roof, and installation of replacement windows and rainwater goods".
A design and access statement, submitted with the plans, says: "The building and therefore shop have been vacant and unused for a number of years which has a negative impact on the area and the surrounding context, especially as the building has fallen into some degree of disrepair.
"Applications were submitted by a previous applicant and agent to convert the shop into a hot food/takeaway and to request the installation of an extraction flue - the former being withdrawn and the later refused.
"The charity was long established in the location however vacated the premises. Despite the aforementioned applications, it is understood the premises have stood vacant until the purchase by the current owner and applicants, Lancaster Student Lettings, in March 2023.
"The applicant proceeded to make alterations to the interior of the building unaware of their obligations and following communication with the Local Planning Authority, now seek to retrospectively apply for permission for the change of use from shop to commercial/professional services office to the ground floor with student studio flats above.
"Recognising the unique opportunity of this unusual building and that it does not match the scale and massing of the immediate neighbouring buildings or surrounding context, the applicant wishes to explore the option to create a more sustainable and longer-term use by adding two additional storeys atop the existing building."
Lancaster City Council will make a decision on the planning application in due course.
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
Morecambe homeless man jailed after admitting criminal damage
Firefighters tackle fire at flat in Morecambe
Lancaster youth charity awarded £221,400 towards vision for 'creative youth space' in city
Tennis club near Lancaster unveils new courts after £50,000 fundraising campaign
INTERVIEW: Highest Point chief 'proud' of lineup for 2024 festival
Highest Point festival stage times: all you need to know
Highest Point team 'excited' for sunny weekend as prep continues ahead of Lancaster festival
New Friends group officially formed to support popular Morecambe music venue
"Overwhelming support" as award-winning Lancaster bakery announces shock closure
