Plans have been submitted to create 25 new homes in a 19th century building on Petersgate in Stockport town centre.

Plans would involve the conversion of the corner building at 5 Petersgate, opposite the Egerton Arms pub.

The conversion would aim to be 'sensitive' to the existing building, which was opened in 1847 as an institute for the blind, deaf and dumb.

It would create 25 self-contained apartments spread across four levels, including a basement level. One of these apartments would be affordable.

Plans for the conversion of 3-5 Petersgate. The top illustration shows the view from Petersgate - the bottom illustration shows the view from High Street (Image - Ollier Smurthwaite Architects, via SMBC planning portal)

If plans were approved, the building would also be extended from the south easterly side. The extension would be set back from the building's frontage, and would aim to "respect the design of the existing building".

The materials would be red and brown brick, with a natural slate roof, in keeping with the historical character of the area.

There would also be a residential garden, as well as 25 spaces for bicycles.

In a planning statement, the applicant argued: "The site has been shown to be a suitable location for residential development with no known adverse impact arising from the development that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh its benefits."