Flats plan submitted for town centre building

A decision on the future of the building will be made by West Northamptonshire Council next month

Plans have been submitted to convert the top floors of a five-storey town centre building into flats.

The ground level of the premises on The Drapery in Northampton is occupied by fast food restaurants KFC and Taco Bell.

West Northamptonshire Council will decide whether to approve a planning application that would see four floors of offices converted into seven residential apartments.

The Conservative-controlled authority is due to make a decision on the building's future use by 17 October.

According to blueprints presented by applicant Lionacre Properties Ltd, the top four floors would contain six one-bedroom and one two-bedroom flats.

The fast food units will remain in place and do not make up part of the planning application.

Planning documents suggest the first and second floors are currently being used as office space for Stagecoach but the remaining floors above are vacant. 

Minimal external alterations would be made as part of the project, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Lionacre Properties Ltd said in its planning statements: "The introduction of residential units in this location will contribute to the vitality of the town centre, supporting local businesses and enhancing community life."