A derelict morgue could soon have a new lease of life – as a holiday home.

The morgue was once part of the North Staffordshire Asylum, built in Cheddleton at the end of the 19th century.

The psychiatric hospital was renamed St Edward's in the 20th century. It closed in 2002 and the site was redeveloped to provide new homes.

But the morgue remains, located off Birchtree Drive, near the Grade II Listed former St Edward's Hospital Chapel. Planning permission and Listed Building consent are now being sought to change the building's use into a holiday let.

A planning statement submitted as part of the application said: "The building has been abandoned for many years and is now becoming a location utilised for anti-social behaviour, including drug use, despite multiple attempts to secure the building as required.

"The building is subject to break-ins which, combined with the historic significance of the building, further supports a general requirement for an alternative use for the building in terms of general amenity for the area but also to preserve the designated heritage asset itself.

"The proposal seeks to convert the building into a single holiday let which would provide two bedrooms – one with an ensuite – a bathroom and a kitchen and lounge area.

"The external alterations to the elevations are minor and limited to an existing window being extended into a door in the side elevation and provision of an additional window in the side elevation with all other openings and detailing being retained or utilised as part of the proposals.

"The proposal would help safeguard the long-term future of a historic curtilage listed building with the improvements made being sympathetic to character and appearance both internally and externally.

"The character and appearance of the building, and the main listed building itself, would not be harmed as the curtilage would be maintained respectfully to accommodate the proposals.

"The site has the appearance of woodland, with an unassuming single storey building hidden within it, which the proposals intend to maintain. There are strong heritage benefits to the restoration and reuse of the building which is currently deteriorating."