MANY residents have had their say on the future of the former Bratts department store, after it was revealed plans had been submitted to convert it into flats and shops.

The iconic family-run store closed for good last year following more than 160 years in business.

But now Warrington-based Jark 102, the Witton Street site’s new owners, have submitted an application to convert part of the ground floor into two retail units, with the remainder of that floor as well as the first and second floors being converted into 17 self-contained apartments.

No date has yet been set for a decision but the Northwich plans can be viewed on the council’s planning portal under reference number 22/03942/FUL.

If given the go ahead, the scheme would consist of three one-bed apartments, 12 two-bed and two three-bed flats, with two self-contained retail units fronting onto Witton Street.

The planning statement said, as a result of the existing ‘tight physical constraints’ of the site, there are no opportunities to provide any off-street parking or amenity space, but that secure cycle storage would be provided in the entrance lobby to the apartments.

Guardian readers took to Facebook to react to the plans.

In support, Angela Topping said: “So long as the building is preserved and it becomes an asset, I'm happy.”

Simon Faulkner Roberts added: “It’s easy to think 'oh no, not more apartments', but as long as the ground floor is retail units then it’s only like other shops with accommodation above.

“It’s all good as long as residents know that noise is acceptable in the evening so they can’t complain about nightlife noise and getting plans knocked back for future investment.”

However Shannon Jade Bellis said the building could be put to better use: “We don't need more houses.

“How about a youth centre or maybe a centre for people who sleep rough?”

Laws Morris said: “More apartments that won’t sell and more shop units that won’t fill?

“Northwich need shops like Primark; cheap and cheerful shops are what we all want in town.”

Reader Jennifer French thought issues with the town’s drains needed to be further improved in case of flooding before deciding what to do with the building.

She said: “So you can only buy one [of the apartments] if you don't drive/have a car, as no parking?

“They need to sort the drains out in the first instance."

Andrew Kerr also commented about the flood risk in that area of the town centre, as well as the amount of empty shops in Northwich.

But, he was in favour of the building being used for accommodation.

He said: “None of the big players in the retail market would be interested due to the flooding.

“Any shops built will be small, aimed at smaller retailers, but will be too expensive.

“We have enough shops/empty shops. We need to fill Barons Quay first.

“Accommodation is the way forward, less well-off people need this type of first-time-buyers price opportunity to get on the housing ladder.”