Plans to convert a boarded-up former bed shop in Lancaster into 24 student flats have taken a step forward after council planners gave them the thumbs up.
Lancaster City Council's planning team has recommended that permission be granted for the development at 5-11 Brock Street in the city centre.
Developer Inayat Munshi 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, formerly Bensons for Beds, would remain as a shop unit.
A council report published today said: "The proposal would renovate and bring a prominent local heritage asset back into use
"This would deliver retail and student accommodation, in a sustainable city centre location.
"Overall the alterations have limited adverse impact to the non-designated heritage asset building."
The site is the former Oddfellows Hall, built in 1844 as a meeting room with terraced back-to-back residential accommodation below.
The building is not listed, but is considered to be a non-designated heritage asset of local heritage importance.
Permission was granted to convert the building to student flats in 2014 but no work took place and the permission lapsed.
The studios would have a dedicated entrance off Mary Street with a new internal staircase and lift to serve the upper floors.
Two objections to the scheme have been received by members of the public.
Lancaster City Council planning regulatory committee, a group of elected councillors, will make the final decision on planning permission.
They will meet for talks on the plans on Monday March 25 at Morecambe Town Hall. The meeting is open to the public and starts at 10.30am.
Read more: New student flats plan for boarded-up former Lancaster bed shop - Beyond Radio
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
Labour wins city council by-election in Carnforth
Chance to take a nostalgic trip for Morecambe Vintage Bus Day
Lancaster city centre restaurant open again after burglary
Man arrested after burglary at Lancaster baby photography shop
Car seized at Lancaster M6 services after occupants seen inhaling 'laughing gas' through balloons
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: Thousands enjoy packed Wray Fair finale to Scarecrow Festival
INTERVIEWS: Strong words from Lancaster businesses as concerns grow over future of car parking
Train strikes this week: How you might be affected
Lancaster and Morecambe musical theatre stars win at North West awards
Morecambe man sentenced for hare coursing in Lincolnshire
Photo of masked man released after police vehicle windscreen smashed in Morecambe town centre
Plans for 930 homes and new school at Lancaster social club and golf course site
Beyond Radio at Highest Point festival: All you need to know
Morecambe Bay midwives celebrated as part of International Day of the Midwife 2024
Clive Grunshaw regains role of Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner
New cocktail bar and restaurant opens its doors in Lancaster
