PLANS to convert a building used as offices into flats have been given the green light.

Plans had been submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department relating to Halton View Villas in the town centre.

These sought permission for a change of use from offices and business use to residential, in the form of nine flats.

The building is numbers three to five Wilson Patten Street, which is currently vacant, with plans rejected last March for the same building.

These sought prior approval for 12 flats, which was refused, but now proposals have been reduced to nine, the council has given its consent.

The basement and ground floor are to be converted into two one-bed flats and two two-bed duplex flats.

The first floor will comprise of two one-bed flats and one two bed flat, while the second and third floors would have one two-bed flat, one one-bed flat and a one-bed duplex flat, utilising the existing attic space.

All windows are to be replaced with uPVC in colours to match the existing, as well as upgrades for acoustic and thermal performance.

Documents submitted as part of the application state: “The proposed development will have no effect on the primary elements of the existing building.

“The proposed alterations for the change of use will bring the building closer to the original use, while modernising elements that will ensure the property is energy efficient for the prospective residents.”

In granting permission, the council said: “The principle of a residential development at the site would be acceptable, and subject to conditions there would be no unacceptable harm to the conservation area or visual amenity.

“Subject to conditions, the scheme would provide an acceptable impact on the amenity of future occupants.

“The scheme is sustainably located and would also have no unacceptable impacts on the local highway network subject to the provision of EV charging and cycle parking.”