A Grade II-listed building in Carlisle city centre could be converted into four flats if the plans are approved.
The former bank in Lowther Street, within the city conservation area, is the subject of a planning application submitted to Cumberland Council.
The neighbouring properties are an existing club and business properties which combine to form a short terrace between Bank Street and Devonshire Street.
The report added: “The area has altered from an open courtyard inside the city gate in the 16th century, to become densely packed lanes by the end of the 18th century and the forming of the current street pattern in the early to mid-19th century when the areas around and beyond the walls were redeveloped.
“The existing use for the building was originally a townhouse, and latterly a bank. The building is currently vacant, but the surrounding uses are predominantly banking, commercial, clubs/bars and restaurants. Many have residential flats above.”
According to the report the building was within what was the old town area and was the historical edge of the walled city.
It added: “The area known as Cuthbert Within sits below St Mary and lies to the east of the Old Town Hall. The area itself has much historical significance.”
The application said the plans paid attention to preserving and improving the character of the street scene of the conservation area and the listed building in context to its attached neighbour covered by the same listing.
It added: “The existing street scene will remain ostensibly the same with the proposals seeking to retain and repair the listed facade.
“It is proposed to install a new window to the basement below the ground floor sill which will be reopened on the northern most window to serve the new bedroom.
“This will be in conjunction with reforming of the external lightwell and associated localised drainage. Windows will aim to match the existing timber sashes. This will partially restore the external appearance of number 37.”
The application is currently being considered by planning officers at the council.
