ELLESMERE residents wanting to comment on an application to convert a former bank in the centre of the town into apartments have until February 1 to make themselves heard.

The plans for the former Lloyds TSB bank in Scotland Street were validated ahead of a decision in the spring by Shropshire Council, and are for seven apartments in the bank's buildings.

The design and access statement for the Grade II listed building has set out how the developers, HS Property Group, intend to change the layout of the current building.

"This application relates to a three storey building which is currently the vacant TSB bank located within the town centre of Ellesmere," it says.

"The ground floor of the building was used as the Bank main floor with the remaining floors above utilised as office spaces, basement used as storage and plant rooms.

"The building is mainly brickwork with a pilastered bank front to the ground storey with sash windows.

"To the northern side the building fronts directly onto Market Street with the southern side fronting directly onto Scotland Street.

"The site does not benefit from any on site car parking although its sustainably located with various amenities within a short walk of the site."

The statement explains what access is available for the property before setting out how the apartments will be set out.

It continued: "The apartments have been designed to provide one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments providing well proportioned flexible space for modern living.

"Throughout the life of the building there has been various alterations to the existing layout of the building over its lifespan clearly evident with beams in the ground floor banking hall.

"The proposal seeks to utilise mostly the existing structure of the building."

It adds that only one property is overlooked but is a commercial business and not residential.

Anyone wishing to read the full access statement and comment on the application can do so at https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications and search 21/05967/LBC.