A FIVE-storey office building which has been unused since it was built more than 10 years ago has been granted permission to be converted into 88 flats.

Lincoln House, on Nelson Street, Great Lever, half a mile south of the town centre, is under new ownership after similar previous plans were approved in 2018 but never went ahead.

A meeting of Bolton Council’s planning committee heard that the plans were for 24 studio apartments, 40 one-bedroom flats, 23 two-bedroom and one three-bedroom property.

There will be a total of 52 car parking spaces on-site, including three disabled will be at the rear.

Other elements of the plan include new landscaping, perimeter planting for the parking area and 20 cycle spaces.

The 16 properties on the top floor would also have access to outdoor space at the top of the building.

Neighbours on Nelson Street include a repair garage and the Territorial Army site opposite.

The meeting heard that no objection had been raised from the barracks.

The developer has agreed to contribute a minimum of £70,000 of Section 106 funds to be used by the council to improve and maintain infrastructure.

A planning report said the ‘condition of the property is generally good, considering the period of vacancy, it is not derelict’.

Anna Corcoran, for the developers Lincoln House Property Development Ltd, said: “This proposal will result in the sustainable and efficient use of a vacant building. Should permission be granted we will seek to start on site this month.”