Plans to convert a listed building into seven city centre apartments have been approved.

Located on the corner of White Friars and Bridge Street in Chester, the site forms a corner plot as part of a terrace of buildings.

The building's ground floor retail unit is occupied by Café Nero and the rest of the site consists of unused office space. 

Submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council late last year, the applicant outlined plans to transform the Grade II listed building into seven one-bedroom apartments. 

The proposed development seeks to provide high quality units that "embrace the assets' original fabric", ultimately securing its long-term viable use.

Three apartments have been proposed on the ground floor, with the second unit split across the ground and lower ground. The development does not include provision for parking spaces.

Approving the plans this week, the officer report cited the application's demonstrated emphasis on "preserving features of special architectural or historic interest". It added that there would be "no harm to the significance of the heritage assets".

Making note of the internal alterations put forward, such as lightweight partitions, the officer report said: "These alterations are reversible and while hey would alter the plan form of the building this change is not considered to be detrimental."

advertisement

It added: "It is considered that the proposed works would result in no material effect on the significance of the building as a heritage asset."

The building's long-term inactivity as offices was also raised in the original application, stating parts of the site have been subject to marketing "for a significant period of time", with no formal interest for office use by prospective occupiers. 

The applicant continued: "The conversion of the building to residential will secure its future use and mitigate against potential disrepair."

You can find and comment on the application here.