A FORMER community centre that has stood empty for more than 10 years could be converted into two flats.

The building, which stands in Cobden Street, was previously home to an over 60s club. The 229.1sqm centre was partly converted into two units but its appearance and condition have since fallen into a poor state of repair.

A planning application has been submitted to Bury Council to convert the single storey detached property into two new dwellings, with two associated car parking spaces.

Several planning applications have previously been submitted for the site, the most recent being to convert it into a stone mason's workshop with accommodation, though this was deemed unsuitable for the area.

Applicant Cheadle-based The Great Northern Property Company Limited proposes converting the centre into two flats, each with a bedroom, bathroom, and separate space to serve as a living, kitchen and dining room. They also propose building a new pitched roof.

Director Chris Jenkins said: "Great Northern Property Company specialise in giving new life to old and unloved buildings. I hope that we can transform the building in Cobden Street into much-need housing.  

"I think that the development will add much-needed afforable accomodation to the area. The building lends itself perfectly to conversion into single storey units that would be affordable as starter homes for young couples. Alternatively, with a few simple adaptations they would be suitable for elderly or disabled occupants.

"Empty properties are not beneficial to any area as they attract vandalism and are a waste of a builing that could be used as much-needed housing.

"When a building is no longer viable for its original intended use then conversion is the perfect solution."

The planning application describes the vacant building as being 'in rather poor condition', 'aesthetically unattractive' and 'not fit for current purpose'.

Great Northern acknowledges that parking and vehicle access has been a major consideration in past planning applications.

Their application reads: "We believe that our plans allow for adequate parking provision with one space per property and note that vehicle access was not considered problematic in the creation of two recently build properties to the rear of the building."