Plans to convert a row of shops on Lord Street in Southport into flats have been outlined by a developer.
The site was previously occupied by David Robinson Jewellers and Card Warehouse.
But the units have been empty since the jeweller closed in 2017 and the card shop vacated the following year.
Developers now want to change the two Grade II Listed buildings from 447 to 453 Lord Street, including the floors above them, into 14 apartments.
This would include four studio apartments and 10 self-contained flats, within the Lord Street Conservation Area.
Developers said the buildings remaining vacant have not been “not looked after” since 2018 while architectural details in both buildings have “deteriorated beyond repair”.
They added that both buildings are in “poor condition” and “in need of attention” to stop them from deteriorating further.
Read More: Brave schoolgirl to cycle 400 miles to raise funds for Queenscourt Hospice
The document said: “The buildings have not been occupied, therefore unheated and not looked after since early 2018.
“In order to convert the property into a residential use the building will be entirely refurbished and converted to create attractive self-contained flats and four studio apartments.
“Both buildings are presently in poor condition and are in need of attention to avoid them deteriorating further due to it being empty.”
The documents also said that developers believe changing the buildings into residential properties “will ensure that the building is retained and improved for the future.”
The plans added that it would therefore improve the immediate area and the Lord Street Conservation Area as a whole.
Sefton Council will make a decision on whether to grant to planning permission in due course.
DO you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message us via Facebook or email Andrew Brown at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
