An ambitious plan has been made to redevelop a derelict town centre building and create 27 flats.

The application concerns the former Westgate Social Club, which has remained empty since it closed in 2016.

A Mr Rahu Patel of Leicester seeks to partly demolish the rear of the premises at 95A Westgate, build a two-storey rear extension and roof extension and change the use of the former drinking establishment and assembly hall into flats.

The planning application to South Kesteven District Council said: "The proposals seek to provide 27 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 existing single storey element of the former social club is proposed to be demolished, creating a large open amenity space with soft landscaping on the site for residents to enjoy."

The 555m2 site is located just behind the major shopping thoroughfare of Westgate, with one entrance reached through a narrow passageway between 93 and 95 Westgate and another reached from the Greyfriars area behind several industrial units.

The planning application continued: "The site is currently in a poor, dilapidated condition and has been subject to vandalism since the closure of the club several years ago."

It also noted the site was outside the Grantham Conservation Area and benefitted from its town centre location, close to shops, pubs, restaurants, community facilities and supermarkets. Transport links featured nearby bus stops and the railway station.

The application continued: "The Social Club had to close its doors in 2016, as it was clearly unsustainable in its location and after the site went up for sale there was not enough interest to keep the business alive.

"Thankfully there is a surplus of other community facilities and drinking establishments within Westgate area and Grantham. This therefore makes the site available for a different venture.

"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. 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. There is a serious risk of someone causing personal injury and a growing concern of arson, potentially impacting and damaging adjacent business and properties.

"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."

The application further said: "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.

"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."

It 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."