A FORMER pub in Idle could be given a new lease of life if plans to convert the building into offices are given the green light.

The application, for the old Coniston pub, in Louisa Street, has been submitted by GEO2 Remediation Limited, a company which deals with soil and groundwater investigations, risk assessment, land remediation and contaminated land services.

It has been established for more than 15 years and currently operates out of rented offices in Leeds.

The application says the proposed “minimal” external works will renovate and upgrade the building while some of the car park will be used to store containers.

The interior of the building will also be refurbished to provide a modern working environment for staff.

“All the works are proposed to be sympathetic to the existing building and to enhance its appearance within the conservation area to ensure the long term viability of the building,” the application states.

As the building is located within the Idle and The Green Conservation Area, a heritage assessment has been submitted with the application.

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It says: “The proposal will return the building to a viable use that will secure its future and sustain its positive contribution to the conservation area.

“The scaffolding will be removed and the exterior refurbished, thereby enhancing the building’s appearance.

“At the rear, an unattractive external fire escape will be removed, its entrance blocked and new windows fitted: all these works affect a late 20th century extension and not the original building.

“Regarding the wider site, the present overgrown car park will be tidied and a landscaping scheme undertaken.

“A number of storage containers will be housed on the car park, which are not permanent fixtures but contain vital equipment for use in the applicant’s business and are therefore vital to the viability of the scheme.

“The containers will not impede public views of the building and on balance it is considered that any resulting harm will be minimal and outweighed by the wider benefit of restoring the building and securing its future.

“For these reasons, it is considered the principal effects of the proposal will be to secure the viable use of this key unlisted building and to enhance its appearance and contribution to the conservation area.”

The building dates from the later 19th century and was built as the village’s Liberal Club.

When first built, it stood a short distance from the village’s railway station and sidings.