AN EMPTY shop could be converted into 24 flats under new plans.

The building left empty by the closure of bargain shop Poundstretcher in Worcester's St Martin's Quarter would be converted into a mix of one-and-two-bed flats under plans by developer Cedar Worcester.

The city's Poundstretcher store announced it would be closing in August after the company went into administration.

Betting shop Ladbrokes would also close to make way for the flats.

Part of the building is locally listed and most of it - Poundstretcher and Ladbrokes aside - has been empty for more than a decade and has failed to attract any interest.

Cedar Worcester says the coronavirus lockdown and rise in working from home as well as the drop in footfall and increase in online shopping over a number of years has made the units unattractive to potential retail tenants.

The developer said the flats would help address the need for housing in the city.

A statement included with the application said: "The proposed development will regenerate a locally important building which has been underused for a decade in its current guise and for half a century prior to that.

"Its development is consistent with the direction of travel of national policy and will assist significantly in helping local policy to achieve its objectives of which it is also concordant.

"The proposed dwellings occupy a sustainable and accessible location, providing additional, affordable choice in the housing market and contributing to a challenging city-wide housing delivery goal."

The plans can be viewed via the planning section of Worcester City Council's website.

The application number is 20/00866/FUL.

Public consultation ends on January 1.