A car park in Northwich town centre could soon be transformed into a block of apartments with ground floor offices.

Plans have been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council to develop the site next to The Old Surgery, off Sheath Street.

The proposal would see a building erected housing four one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments above two office suites.

Associated parking with cycle storage is also planned at the 647.5sqm site adjacent to the locally listed Old Surgery.

A design and access statement, prepared by Davenport Architects on behalf of the applicant, said the proposed development would retain the Old Surgery for use as office space.

It adds: "There is a lack of both high quality residential and office space in Northwich town centre.

"The vacant site which forms this application lends its self well to providing new and improved facilities which will in-turn increase footfall on the high street, supporting local businesses.

"The proposals set out in this application are for the creation of an affordable high-quality residential development, supported by two flexible ground floor office suites which will offer affordable office space for small and startup businesses.

"The proposals look to provide a sustainable mixed-use development in the heart of Northwich.

"The site is superbly located to take advantage of all local amenities, with shops, parks, transport nodes and civic centres being within a five-minute walk."

The statement added: "Each apartment has a simple layout consisting of an open plan kitchen and living area along the Sheath Street elevation, with the main sleeping accommodation located to the rear of the property.

"The apartments are served by a single staircase and a shared lobby in the centre of the building which gives direct access to the car park, refuse and cycle storage on the ground floor."

The new structure will be connected to the Old Surgery via a simple glazed link with a pitched roof.

Full details of the proposed development can be found on the planning pages of Cheshire West and Chester Council's website, under reference: 22/02715/FUL.