Plans for new student flats in a boarded-up former bed shop in Lancaster city centre are back on the table.
A planning application has gone in to convert Oddfellows Hall on Brock Street into 24 flats.
The boarded-up former Bensons for Beds has long been regarded as one of the city centre's biggest eyesores.
Permission was granted to convert the Grade II listed building to student flats in 2014 but no work took place and the permission lapsed.
Developer Inayat Munshi, of Brock Developments Ltd, is seeking new permission to convert the upper floors into four cluster flats and 20 studio flats, as well as dormer roof extensions. The ground floor would remain as a shop unit.
The studios would have a dedicated entrance off Mary Street with a new internal staircase and lift to serve the upper floors.
A Design and Access statement, submitted with the plans, says: "These alterations seek to improve the appearance of the building and preserve the positive contribution to the conservation area."
Local heritage champions Lancaster Civic Vision said they supported the application "in principle" but wanted a condition put in place to "prevent further deterioration" of the building. They also called for a "public commitment" on when work would start.
Talks have been ongoing between Lancaster City Council and the building's owners over its redevelopment.
In November 2022, after concerns were raised locally about the state of the building, a council spokesperson said: ‘’City council officers were in contact with the owners and productive discussions are ongoing regarding improving the condition of the building and exploring potential future re-use, subject to planning permission being granted.’’
Oddfellows Hall was built in 1844 as a meeting room and residential accommodation.
Lancaster City Council will decide whether to grant planning permission in due course.
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
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
