Trend Developments WKD Ltd, supported by JR Planning Consultants and Neil Bowen Architects, has submitted an application for the change of use of part of a four-storey building at the junction of Northgate and Providence Street.

Planning permission has previously been granted for the conversion of the ground floor to retail units. The three upper floors are currently in use as 15 apartments.

Approval is sought for the conversion of the first, second and third floors of the property into an aparthotel.

The new development would comprise 30 hotel bedrooms, and nine hotel apartment suites with a mix of two- and three-bedroom units.

Bookings would be managed online and guests provided with a code to gain access. As a result, no reception area is planned.

A planning statement submitted as part of the application said: "The proposed development would provide high-quality guest accommodation facility that would appeal to both business and leisure visitors. The proposal would allow for the efficient use of the existing site and would provide growth and investment in the locality. Additional economic activity would be created during the conversion phase and it is anticipated that the proposed apart-hotel would create six jobs. "