A PLANNING application seeking permission to convert a former bank building into apartments has been given approval.

Proposals sought to turn the former NatWest bank at 6 to 8 Bridge Street, Earlestown into five one-bed apartments.

A design and access statement has been drawn up by planning agents ArchiPhonic on behalf of applicant Windsor Property Holdings.

It stated: "The site is situated within a prominently retail street, fronting onto Bridge Street and is currently occupied by a former bank

"The existing building makes up part of a terrace o shop fronts, with a mix of ground floor retail and residential accommodation above.

"The existing building on site is currently two storeys tall and extends to the rear at a single storey height, making up existing bank vaults to the perimeter of the south and east boundaries."

It added: "The proposal aims to bring a disused building back into use as modern residential accommodation.

"The revised proposal has responded to the feedback from the previous pre-application advice by seeking to apply the concept of adaptive reuse to the project.

"By demolishing the ground floor bank vaults, the proposal aims to create light and habitable flats for future residents. The design aims to respond to the surrounding context and its original built form".

The statement concluded: "The proposal has been designed with sensitive consideration of the site’s Conservation status and the neighbouring properties".

The plans attracted an objection from a resident over contended "loss of privacy" but council officers gave the application the green light.

In a report recommending approval, case officer Jennifer Bolton said: "The outlook and privacy for the first floor flats is considered to be satisfactory.

"The first floor extension is not considered to adversely affect the outlook of any of the neighbouring properties. Privacy screens would be provided for the balconies."