PLANS to turn an office building into more than 40 apartments — which were objected to because of a “severe terrorist threat” — will be revisited by councillors this week.

Developers Lincoln Limited want to transform the five-storey Lincoln House office block in Nelson Street, but were asked to provide more information about the plans at a previous council planning meeting.

One of the objections to the proposals came from the army reserve centre base located opposite the office block.

Bosses at the base have stated that the development “cannot be allowed to happen” as it represents a “very serious security threat”.

It was also suggested that having accommodation opposite the reserve centre would “put occupants at risk” because the base is a target for terrorism.

Despite this, the plan to create 30 one-bedroomed apartments and 12 bedsits in the first, second and third floors of the building have been resubmitted.

The developer has entered into negotiations with social housing provider Bolton at Home, and an ‘in principle’ agreement has been established that would see the company manage the property.

Planning officers are recommending that the application is approved when the planning committee meets on Thursday — despite the existing objection from those at the reserve centre.

In the officers report is argued that accommodation at the site could actually improve security.

The officer states: “The concerns of the reserve army base are noted and are appreciated, especially in the context of the global terrorist threat.

“However, the same concerns would be potentially there is the building was used for any use including the approved use on the site.

“Furthermore, it is considered that the proposed use of the site would encourage natural surveillance over the adjoining area, promoting a safer environment for attendees of the reserve centre.”

Concluding, the report states: “The proposal would put a productive use to a large proportion of an office building which has lain vacant since it was completed a number of years ago.”

Councillors will debate and decide on the proposal in tomorrow’s meeting, which takes place from 2pm in the Bolton Library lecture theatre.