A former Macclesfield pub which has been empty for nearly a decade could be converted into an HMO and flats.

Concept Group UK wants to convert the ground floor of the Cock in Treacle on King Edward Street into a four-bedroom house of multiple occupation.

The first and second floor of the grade two listed building would be turned into two one-bedroom self-contained flats.

A small first floor rear extension is proposed to provide independent access to the upper floor

A planning and heritage statement submitted by Focus Town Planning on behalf of the applicant states: "The prolonged vacancy of the building is a significant material consideration and indicates that the former public house use has not provided a viable or sustainable use in practice.

"Continued disuse presents a risk to the long-term condition and conservation of the listed building."

It adds: "The proposed development has been informed by a heritage-led approach and seeks to secure the optimum viable use of the building.

"The scheme retains the building's external appearance, historic plan form and principal circulation spaces, and limits intervention to that which is necessary to secure a viable new use."

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The document says the fact the pub has been vacant since December 2016 demonstrates the lack of a realistic prospect of re-occupation 'and the availability of alternative public houses and licensed premises within Macclesfield town centre collectively support the acceptability of the change of use'.

The application, number 25/4339/FUL, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council's website.

The last date for submitting comments is March 11.