Plans to convert a Grade II listed building on Vicars Lane into six apartments have been approved.

The proposals submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council last summer seek to provide "much needed homes" within Chester city centre, by converting the former property consultancy offices.

Lodged by The Grosvenor Estate, plans include converting the currently "redundant" office building, to create one three-bed and five two-bed apartments.

The applicant highlighted the currently "underused listed building" as being a suitable location for the plans - given its "prominent city centre location" and "significant character".

Pointing to the heritage site's preservation and protection, the application intends to "bring the building back into positive use".

"Modest" changes to the internal layout of the building are proposed, to facilitate the range of apartment sizes.

The planning officer noted the proposed works would involve "minor external changes", mostly concentrated at the back of the building, deeming the works to be "minimal and neutral in their effect on the listed building".

Heavy alterations to the building over time were also noted in the approval, with the proposed partitions and openings being reversible, the officer again noted no harm to the building's "overall significance".

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The officer did also state that any surviving original doors "should be retained where possible".

The design and access statement reads: "The site's Grade-II listed status and prominent position within Chester city centre means that its reutilization is paramount to secure the ongoing preservation and viability of the building."

Stating its efforts to preserve the "special interest of the building", the proposals added: "The building has been vacant and available for well in excess of a 12 month period, with no reasonable prospect of being let for employment purposes.

"On balance the proposed development will have a positive impact upon the listed building."

Approving the plans, the planning officer said: "Overall, the proposals are assessed as resulting in a neutral impact on the significance on the listed building, the character and appearing of the conservation area, and the setting of nearby listed buildings."

You can comment on and find the application here.