Plans to turn part of an iconic high street building into luxury apartments have been submitted to Sefton Council .
Manchester Real Estate Ltd want to build 10 one-bedroom flats on Lord Street - within Southport town centre's conservation area.
The site earmarked for the new development was formerly the well-known Jaeger store. The store closed in May 2017 - shortly after the brand collapsed into administration.
Planning documents on Sefton Council's website say as well as the new apartments, there would be some 'internal alterations'
The historic Lord Street frontage would be retained, however the rear lower roof would be demolished.
According to the planning application, the 'demolition of this low value heritage element' would allow for the formation of a new partial third storey, to give sufficient accommodation for the project to be financially viable.
A conservation area is an area that has 'special architectural or historic interest' and where it is important that this special character is preserved or enhanced. Lord Street is such because of its impressive architecture and layout.
The purpose of a conservation area is to assist in retaining the character of an area. According to the local authority, extensions and alterations must be in keeping both with the building and the general use, and 'good design should be a priority'.
