REJECTION has been handed down to an applicant seeking to create flats on floors above a closed town centre music shop.

Plans were submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department seeking prior approval for the levels above the former Dawsons unit on Sankey Street.

This was for proposed internal alterations to the first and second floors to accommodate 10 apartments or bedsits.

However, the council ruled that prior approval is required and refused

Documents state that the building is not listed and also not situated within a designated conservation area.

Externally, all existing fascias, gutters and downpipes were to be be replaced with new in a matching style.

In refusing the plans, the council said: “The conversion of a class E premises to apartments does not fall within the permitted development.

“This is by reason that it has not been demonstrated that apartments five and six would receive an adequate level of natural light to habitable rooms.

“Prior approval is therefore required and refused.”