Plans have been submitted to transform a building into apartments which has been a magnet for vandals.

The proposals are for a buidling on Lee Lane, Horwich, which is currently a shop with accommodation upstairs.

It is believed the upper levels had been out of use since April of 2021 and had previously been both residential and office space.

The building has been subject to vandalism during the time it has been out of use.

Now plans have been launched to create a new front to the shop and to transform the upstairs into two one bedroom apartments and one two bedroom duplex apartment.

There are also proposals to chance the shop front with a new anthracite grey shop front in Aluminum to provide light and access as well as the windows being replaced.

The plans have been lodged with Bolton Council buy HFS Planning Applications Ltd outlining how the building would look if they are given the green light.

They have done the work on behalf of the new owners to the shop who are the applicants.

The agents said in the design statement: “The existing upper floor residential and office space is impractical, as it does not offer any real benefit to the locals.

“Retaining and modernizing the commercial element on the ground floor will help the building keep its original character and serve the area more comprehensively.

“The owners wish to carry out a full refurbishment and maintenance to finish the building to a hi-spec, with an up to date look.”

They also outlined the benefits which could flow from the proposals.

They said: “The building has been carefully considered and chosen for the uplift due to minimum disruption and no adverse effects on its surroundings.

“The changes and refurbishment will benefit the local area and help meet local demand.

“The building is ideally located and is an ideal size.

“The building has remained vacant to let and boarded up for over 12 months as a result has attracted unwanted attention and has been subject to vandalism, social disruption and disorder.

“The building no longer functions adequately as a place of work or stay and will most likely further deteriorate, unless new users are found.

“The building has been marketed as to let and for sale on a number of occasions in the past without success, therefore the proposed changes have been sought out and recommended, as it is the least disruptive, offers security to the site, there is demand and it is in keeping with the existing layout of the building.”