A planning application is seeking permission for a "flexible" use of buildings on Leek's Market Place, which could see them turned into shops, restaurants, bars or apartments at any point over the next 10 years.

The plans relate to the buildings on the corner of 1-3 Market Place and 2-4 Stockwell Street, which includes a building previously used for Tourist Information by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, the Old Fire Station and the Society bar.

It seeks permission for a flexible change of use for the buildings, to either retail, a café or restaurant, a pub or a bar together with nine apartments.

If permission is granted it allows the applicant to switch between any of these uses without the need for planning permission at any point over the next 10 years.

A report by the district council's planning officers noted that this kind of "flexible" application is something that may become more common in future due to uncertainty brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The apartments would comprise of four one-bedroom units and five two-bedroom units, which would be available for private rent.

The plans have been recommended for approval by planning officers, with a report stating: "The application complies with polices in the Development plan.

"There are no considerations that indicate that planning permission should be granted other than in accordance with the Development plan.

"The proposal will bring into beneficial use an underused building in the town centre.

"It delivers sustainable development and a recommendation of approval is therefore made."

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Planning Committee will make the final decision on the application at a meeting next week.