PLANS to transform a large deteriorating building in Cleckheaton into shops and offices have been approved.

The scheme will see the former Music Room at St John's Place completely renovated and given a new lease of life.

Developer Willow Properties applied to create a four storey building with a glazed apex roof light as well as Velux type windows and solar roof panels.

The building itself, which is in a prominent position off St John's Car Park, is described as dating back to 1900 and some of its brickwork has been rendered.

In a design and access statement to accompany the plans to Kirklees Council, Heckmondwike-based Innsight Design states: “The existing property is currently vacant and in a deteriorating state of repair. It has a detrimental visual impact on the centre of Cleckheaton and in particular from the main town centre St John’s car park.

“The proposed retail use to two floors would provide an attractive proposition to the town centre, providing job opportunities and adding to the existing, thriving, town centre shopping experience.

“Proposed office use to second floor and loft provide good use of the upper floor spaces and add to Cleckheaton as a commercial centre.”

The building is not listed and is not in a conservation area.

The ground floor and first floor will become shop space, with the second floor and loft becoming office space.

A new steel fire escape is also planned to the north side of the building.

Parking to the front would provide space for four vehicles, including a disabled parking space.

A report by planning officers describes how the building has a white-coloured render finish and a large arch opening to the front, with some roof lights already installed.

It states that the application would alter the external look of the building "substantially".

"The most visually prominent element is the shopfront, which consists of two entrances serving the retail and office units respectively and full height windows across each floor. It would be faced with coursed stone in the front elevation, decorated with ashlar quoins. This element would intrinsically affect the overall appearance of the existing building because of its scale and position.

"However, the impact arising from that could be acceptable in this instance, as the building is situated in a town centre location with buildings nearby all constructed in different scale, form, design and materials. To support the proposed contemporary designed shopfront in this locality would not give rise to any significant issue in terms of visual amenity."

A similar scheme was approved earlier this, year, and this application involves some minor amendments.