THE former home of The Radcliffe Times which has laid empty for decades could be converted into residential apartments.

A planning application has been submitted to Bury Council for the vacant site, in Church Street West, and the adjacent new-build to be turned into 10 one-bedroom flats.

Applicant Paul Cook of Paul Cook Developments Ltd has outlined plans for each of the 10 maisonettes to be provided with a kitchen, living space, balcony, bedroom, bathroom and hallway.

Councillor Catherine Preston, who represents Radcliffe East Ward, said: "The site is in desperate need of redevelopment.

"There is still a lot to consider. I think it is very important to keep the fascia with the Radcliffe Times and date. I will push for that to remain."

The building, which was erected in 1899, is the former offices of the The Radcliffe Times.

It was gutted by a fire in 2009 which saw flames spread throughout the four-storey 19th century building.

In January 2017, a section of the roof collapsed following high winds, and had to be renovated by Bury Roofing.

The front facing aspect is three-storey but due to the property's position on the top of the banks of the River Irwell, the rear has an additional storey below.

The windows have been boarded up for several years, leaving gaps into the building over time. The doorway has also been vandalised leaving large gaps in the framework.

Under plans, the building would have a slate roof, brick walls to match the existing exterior fabric and UPVC windows.

The application for development was welcomed by the manager of Radcliffe Pharmacy, located opposite the 0.10 hectare plot.

Sham Iqbal said: "Any kind of application to bring the building into use would be a good thing.

"For as long as I can remember it has been standing there as a derelict building.

"It would be better for the area's economy if it was brought into use for employment purposes but anything to modernise it and make it habitable would be a good thing in our opinion.

"It would be nice to maintain the heritage of the building in some shape or form.

"I would like to see it developed rather than being an eyesore."

The application is being overseen by agent Stephen Fish of Fish Associates Ltd, based in St Georges Road, Bolton.

The proposals are due to go before planning committee.