An office building in Newcastle-under-Lyme could be converted into 50 flats, if a planning application is approved.

M1 Investments Ltd has submitted an application to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to determine if prior approval is required to change the use of Copthall House into 50 residential apartments.

The proposals would see the four-storey 1960s building on King Street converted into a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom flats.

The application stated: "The works will involve the removal of existing non-structural walls, ceilings and building services, followed by the installation of new acoustic separating walls and apartment fit-outs to create the proposed layouts across all four floors."

Parking for the proposed development would be provided by the existing basement car park which will remain available for use.

The convenient location of Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre is also stressed in the application which states: "The building is located within Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre and is well served by existing public transport, with accessible bus links to surrounding areas and the nearby railway station.

"Local shops, supermarkets and other town centre facilities are also within convenient walking distance."

A Conservation Design and Access Statement submitted alongside the application, states that the current building is "dated and tired in appearance, and its contribution to the surrounding historic townscape has previously been identified as negative".

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The statement adds: "Copthall House has limited heritage value in its own right and makes a negative contribution to the Conservation Area.

"The proposed works to improve and rationalise the external façade will therefore represent an enhancement to an existing poor quality building and will improve its appearance within the wider historic environment."

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has yet to make a decision regarding the application.

The expiry date for the standard consultation is Thursday 17 September 2026.

To view the full application, visit the Newcastle-under-Lyme planning website here.