Plans for flats in Grantham town centre have been scaled down.

Last year, Rahul Patel of Leicester sought to build 27 flats in the former Westgate Social Club, but has now reduced his plans to 15.

His application to South Kesteven District Council said: "Partial demolition of Social Club, proposed 2 storey rear extension and roof extension. Change of use from A4 drinking establishment and D2 assembly hall to

C3 residential use to create 15 residential units." If approved, there would be 9 one-bed units and 6 two-bed units. The application continued: "The proposals seek to provide 15 self-contained studio apartments. This will be achieved by converting the existing building

into residential use and the addition of two new floors.

"The accommodation will be split across the three levels of the development, utilising the existing three story structure and raising the ballroom roof to accommodate a new floor.

"The internal height of the existing ballroom is enough to comfortably fit in two levels of accommodation, an additional storey has been proposed to maximise the sites potential and provide 'pent house' accommodation on the roof, which will be set back. A rear two storey extension is also proposed. A three storey glazed atrium provides a central circulation space providing access to all three residential blocks."

The application also said the existing single storey element of the former social club would be demolished, creating a large open amenity space with soft landscaping on the site for residents to enjoy.

However, with the scheme offering no parking for cars, but for 21 cycles, pre-application advice given to Mr Patel was that "by virtue of its lack of amenity for future occupants is likely to be unacceptable" and the application would not meet local and national planning policies.

Nonetheless, the application also states: "The site benefits greatly from its city centre location, sitting on the edge of Grantham's shopping district and with easy access to a multitude of shops, pubs, restaurants, community facilities and supermarkets.

"The site also enjoys fantastic transport links; Grantham train station to the South is a 10minute walk and several Bus routes can be found along Watergate to the East, Brook Street to the North and Grantham Bus Station to the South, connecting the site to the wider district and major cities.

"The area requires an injection of life, to bring hustle and bustle, form a key part of the established community within the heart of Grantham."

It continued: "The site, unfortunately, in its current vacant state has become a hot spot for crime and anti-social behaviour, with several break-ins and severe vandalism

"The site and the immediate area is in great need of redevelopment, the collection of buildings as they stand are insignificant within the historical context of Grantham. It is a dreary and unsightly brownfield site that has the potential to be revived and brought back into use, injecting some much needed life into the area.

"Developing the site into a viable use brings added economic benefit to the local area, residents will use the local shops, café's, takeaways etc. It also provides affordable town centre living for workers. The introduction of a link between Greyfriars and Westgate will hopefully bring an increase in footfall to that part of the shopping district.

"Redeveloping the site contributes further by boosting the value of the area as a whole, by lifting the neighbourhoods perception and making it a place people want to be, visit and invest in. The significance of saving a historic dilapidated building and giving it a new lease of life is important, adding to Grantham's historical character.

"The proposals also wish to open a public route through the site linking the Greyfriars residential community to Westgate and the town centre, allowing local residents to walk through a safe and secure passageway, enjoying the benefit of natural surveillance.

"This redevelopment brings a derelict and crumbling building back into use, rejuvenating a forgotten corner of Grantham. It will reduce the likelihood of anti-social behaviour, vandalism and further damage to property while making the area a safer place to live, work and enjoy."

The application added: "In conclusion, the proposed development would bring several benefits:

• Provides quality affordable accommodation for young professionals working in Grantham
• Regenerates an empty underused brownfield site giving it a purpose
• Reduces potential for crime and anti-social behaviour in the area
• Brings economic benefit to local shops and businesses
• Opens up a new pedestrian link between Greyfriars and Westgate."