IT HAS stood in Southampton since 1830, and has lain empty for years, but now footsteps will be heard once more in a historic building near to the city centre.

Number 9 Carlton Crescent, a stone’s throw from Bedford Place, is part of a Grade II listed building which lies within a designated conservation area of Southampton.

Plans have been approved for the conversion of the 19th century listed building to be converted into eight, one bedroom flats.

The building had previously been used as office space, but has been empty since the previous tenants moved out in December 2018.

In approving the plan, Southampton City Council ordered that all original windows should be retained, repaired and upgraded in a `like for like` manner to “ensure the preservation of the special architectural/historic interest of the listed building.”

The developer, Aircool Property LLP , has also stated that a bike shed will be erected in the courtyard, there is no off-site parking for property exists and on-street parking is restricted.

Commenting on the plans, Simon Reynier of the City of Southampton Society said the society was “happy to support” the application.

Mr Reynier expressed concern however that “any alterations made to the internal structure must be reversible” and “any attempt to replace [the windows] with PVC versions must be refused.”

On the subject of the bike shed, he said: “Access to this space is only through the ground floor passageway.

“Not ideal, especially in bad weather when wet/dirty bicycles would have to be wheeled through the house.”

However he added that he was “pleased” that the historic building would return to residential use.