A full planning application has been submitted to turn a “tired and dated” 1960s building in the heart of Aberystwyth into flats.

The five-floor, 42-flat development has been proposed by Ellis Developments for the former Crown Building which faces on to Plascrug Avenue.

The office building, formerly used by the Welsh Government, has laid empty since 2013 and developers argue that “the employment facility in its present use class is no longer viable”.

The site has been marketed for development since 2017.

An attempt to turn it into student accommodation in 2009 was refused by Ceredigion planners, but allowed by Welsh Government inspectors on appeal. That scheme never came to fruition.

The plans will see the development of 13 one-bedroom apartments, 26 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom penthouse flats, along with off­ice space.

Under the plans, the existing BT exchange on the ground floor would be retained and the scheme does not include the side elevation of the building towards Stanley Road, which is under separate ownership.

A planning report, prepared by Geraint John Planning on behalf of developers, said: “The existing building is a tired and dated, imposing 1960s office building which dominates the area.

“It is considered that the building detracts from the character and appearance of the wider conservation area, and there is therefore an opportunity to improve the appearance of the building.

“As such, the key aspiration of the applicant is to deliver a scheme which not only provides residential units on site, but which could be used to assist with the delivery of aesthetic improvements to the existing building.”

A pre-planning consultation over the ambitious plans was held in February and March last year.

The full application was submitted to Ceredigion County Council on 13 February.