An old school building could be demolished to make way for a four-storey block of flats – but councillors are calling for its facade to be preserved.
The former King Street School building in Leigh, which was built in the late 19th century, could be knocked down to make way for 29 apartments.
The Gothic revival style building, 'typical' of its time, was used as an infant and junior school until the 1980s and was later occupied by Leigh College.
More recently, the premises have been used as a children’s nursery and a gym.
Developer John Littler has applied for planning permission to demolish the building, saying that there are no viable or sustainable alternative uses for it.
He wants to build a mixture of one and two-bedroom apartments in its place.
Out of the 29 apartments planned, seven would be classed as 'affordable'.
A planning and heritage statement prepared by FrancesVerityPerspectives on Mr Littler's behalf says that factors such as the building's scale, layout, thermal performance and the presence of asbestos have 'conspired against its re-use'.
But councillors in Leigh have called for as much of the building as possible to be preserved due to its 'historical and architectural distinction' in the town.
The building is located within the Leigh Bridge Conservation Area and it was identified by Wigan Council in 2013 as a building which makes a 'positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area'.
Leigh West councillor Dane Anderton has formally objected to the application.
He said: "I believe that as much of this building, as is possible, should be retained in line with the council's heritage strategy and within the law of planning.
"At the very least the front section of the building which retains the key distinguishing features."
The Labour representative also called for 'serious consideration' of parking standards and a 'robust assessment' and an action plan to tackle asbestos.
Leigh East councillor Anita Thorpe, who represents the ward in which the building is located, has also formally objected to the planning application.
She has requested that councillors on the planning committee consider the application and make the final decision on whether it should be approved.
The application is expected to be on the agenda for February’s meeting.
The applicant's agent JLP Design (UK) Ltd has been contacted for comment.
