AN HERITAGE asset in the Chapelfield area of Radcliffe could be converted into 13 apartments if Bury Council's planning department give the project the go-ahead.

Plans have been submitted to convert a two-storey building and residential house in Walker Street into 13 residential flats.

The Old School house was originally built as a school in the late 19th Century but was converted into a 'Vintage Living' showroom in the late 20th Century, and is now disused.

Howard and Seddon Partnership has submitted the plans to Bury Council on behalf of the applicant Osman Salim.

The supplementary planning statement reads: "The application seeks listed building consent for the retention of an existing building, converting from a residential house and antiques centre to 13 residential apartments.

"The existing first floor windows facing Rossall Avenue are to be obscure glazes to alleviate any potential overlooking issues.

"The proposed rooflights are to be 1700mm from floor level, again to alleviate any potential overlooking issues."

While it is not a listed building, the Venetian Gothic style site is regarded by Bury Council as an 'heritage asset'.

An heritage assessment was undertaken by John Hinchliffe, of Hinchliffe Heritage.

It found that in 1852, the site was described as Stand Independent School, with an associated Sunday school.

Mr Hinchliffe wrote: "Although Bury Council has advised that the former school is not on its local list of buildings of architectural or historic interest, it has 'a degree of heritage significance' and is 'regarded as a non-designated heritage asset.'"

This requires that the windows that will be replaced are good quality, The applicant Osman Salim proposes keeping the original style and features, and incorporating stone cills and heads.

However, Mr Hinchcliffe concluded that the school building is of "little heritage significance." He wrote: "The former school has a low level of communal value, as it closed in 1971 and so it is unlikely that many of the existing residents of the area attended it and value its memory as part of their education and youth."

The site was previously occupied by antique dealer Partners Antiques and sold a range of old collectible items including furniture and ornaments.

It was most recently occupied by Rose & Lee Vintage Living.

To view the application, visit https://planning.bury.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search planning reference 63376.