Oswestry’s former magistrates’ building is set to become apartments.

The eye-catching building on Holbache Road is set for a new lease of life as 10 residential properties, including eight two-bedroom and two one-bedroom homes.

It will include parking for 17 cars and will use the existing access via Holbache Road and Oswald Place.

The proposal forms part of a wider application by developers Primoris Homes Ltd, who also want to build eight townhouses and one pair of semi-detached homes on land adjacent to the court.

These will also feature three bedrooms and parking for 14 cars.

Agent Gareth Edwards, of DPA Ltd, said: ” It is planned to retain as much as possible of the original fabric of the building, which contributes to the evidential value of the building.

“This will include both stairs, the original doors, the high ceilings, parquet flooring in the hallways, as well as the timber floors in each room.

“The architectural features of the building take into account surrounding features such as brickwork, render and, slate and tile roofing.”

The court was closed in April 2011 as part of cutbacks by the Ministry of Justice with hearings moved to Shrewsbury.

The site is still owned by the MoJ and Shropshire Council.

Prior to that it was home to the Meadows Primary School in the early 1990s while its permanent home on Cabin Lane was being built, and originally housed Oswestry Boys High School.

A decision is expected on both applications by October 4.