An old Biddulph bank has been granted planning permission to be converted into a shop and apartment by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

The council's decision was publicised on its latest planning list this week, with permission being granted for a change of use of the old Natwest bank on King Street.

The building, which is currently unoccupied, was first built in the early 20th century.

However, this unoccupied status could soon change after Patrick Holme of HH Holman Properties was given the green light to begin converting the property.

A decision report by the district council's planning officers states: "The application is for a change of use to change the former bank into a shop at ground floor and a two bedroom apartment at first floor."

However, the application does not specify what kind of shop the ground floor could be transformed into.

It was noted that for the most part, the planning application did not require prior permission to be granted for the change of use.

However, some minor external changes to the building were required for the conversion, with planning permission being required for these changes only.

The external changes include rebuilding the property's external steps, erecting railings on the edge of the pavement and constructing a small bin store for the planned apartment.

The report adds: "Overall the changes would be relatively minor and have limited impact on the appearance of the street scene, particularly as King Street is a side street and not a primary shopping frontage."

Approving the application, the report concludes: "Minor alterations necessary to facilitate a permitted change of use without harming the character and appearance of the area. There would be a contribution to the vitality and viability of the Town Centre."

To see the plans and comments in full, visit the relevant page of the district council's planning portal on its website here.