An application to convert city centre offices to flats has now been approved.

The proposal sought to change the use of the ground and first floor at 15-17 White Friars, Chester, to provide three self contained apartments.

Now approved, the ground floor of the grade II listed building will be converted to provide a two-bedroom dwelling.

There will be two more on the first floor, the first designed for one person and the other as a one bedroom, two person self-contained flat.

With the second floor of the building already converted back to residential use, this applicant seeks to 'reverse the current use to its original, although in a different format'.

The design and access statement said: "The current properties are mostly open plan with some glazed partitions but unfortunately with none of the original features in existence.

"The proposed development would be an internal refurbishment with no discernible harm being done to the historic building fabric.

"The fact that the property will be utilised and used by new residents would provide a positive contribution to the local area and a boost to the vitality of the city centre.

"The proposed development does not involve any changes to the elevations, historic or modern, to accommodate the refurbishment."

No strong concerns were cited in the officer report, which pointed out the length of time the property has been on the market.

It said: "In this case, the application has demonstrated that the units have been vacant in excess of 12 months and have been continuously marketed.

"The proposal would not result in any changes to the external appearance of the buildings and as such would preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area."

White Friars Residents' Association (WFRA) also expressed its support for the application.

It said: "The proposals are fully compliant with the adopted Local Plan, the One City Plan and Commonhall Street Development Brief.

"The intention is to return the buildings to residential use, which is a key ambition of the One City Plan.

"The proposals will enhance the historic character and appearance of the Chester city conservation area and the setting of the adjacent buildings."

You can find the application here.