MORE than a dozen flats could be created in a building which once housed HSBC in Colchester, documents have revealed.

Developers have asked Colchester Council if they require prior approval permission for Midland House, in North Station Road.

The building was previously home to HSBC until the firm left in 2021.

Two floors were subsequently used as offices but has been vacant since April 2022.

The submission reveals plans to turn the first and second floor of the three storey office building turned into flats.

The ground floor would remain for commercial use.

The 17 flats would range in size from 39m2 to 44m2. There would be eight flats on the first floor and nine on the second floor.

Layout plans submitted appear to show each flat would have a bathroom and open-plan sleeping, living and dining area.

The submission said: “The property comprises a detached, circa 1980s, three storey office building. A reception area provides access to the building with stairs and lift access to the first and second floors.”

There is a car park with space for 35 cars at the rear of the building.

The developer wants to use permitted development rights to carry out the work without planning permission.

Under permitted development some changes can be made to properties.

The Government has widened the scope of the rights so new dwellings can be created from a variety of non-residential uses.

HSBC left the building in June 2021 due to the shift to online banking.

Staff were transferred to other branches, such as the one in Colchester High Street.

Colchester Council will have the final say on whether prior approval is needed.