Plan will see restoration of derelict Blackpool hotel

The property on the Promenade which is earmarked for investment

Plans have been lodged with the council seeking permission to convert the upper three floors of the former New Austin Hotel on the Promenade near North Pier into five self-contained holiday flats with a roof terrace.

The property was last used as a hotel more than 10 years ago, and was badly damaged after a serious fire in 2004.

A take-away traded on the ground floor in more recent times, catering to clubbers from the neighbouring Sanuk nightclub, but has also since closed.

Documents submitted with the application say the property has been purchased at auction.

Applicant Phil Hough says renovating the building will help to boost the surrounding area.

A design statement says: "The attention of this application is to concentrate on the restoration and improvement of the upper floors, and a separate application is to be submitted for the ground floor to tidy up and refurbish the commercial unit and shopfront."

It adds: "Bringing back into use a long term vacant building can only make a beneficial contribution to the wider conservation area."

The application will now be considered by town hall planners at a future date.