PLANS to open a self-catered holiday accommodation venue at a Grade II-listed Chester city centre building have been lodged with the council.

The proposal seeks to convert the currently vacant office space on the first and second floors of Lombard House, Foregate Street, into holiday accommodation suitable for up to 16 people.

Under the proposed name The Lombard Gathering, the new house would sleep between 10 and 16 people over four bedrooms in a three-storey apartment.

Civitas Planning Limited, applying for planning permission in a statement to Cheshire West and Chester Council, said the application is to change the use from the upper floors from offices to self-catering holiday accommodation.

There would be no external changes made to the building and no structural changes to the building internally.

The applicants explain there are already ample public parking spaces within walking distance of the site, which would largely be accessed on foot.

Should permission be approved, the business is looking to accept bookings from when Government lockdown restrictions permit from May 17.

Lombard House is being advertised as "a great venue for celebrating a special occasion with family or friends, for hen parties, or just for a chilled out reunion weekend."

Comments on the application should be made by April 29, using the council's online comment facility or by writing to Development Management, 4 Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 0BE, quoting planning reference number 21/01044/FUL.

Lombard House acquired its name when it was the former home of Lombard Bank.