PLANS to transform one of Nelson’s most prominent empty buildings have been given the green light by councillors.

The Myan Partnership, based in Fountain Street, Nelson, purchased the former Woolworth’s building in August this year.

Brothers Naveed and Naheem Younis submitted plans to convert the top floor of the sprawling property to 11 separate flats, with some alterations to the ground floor to create shops on the Scotland Road and Leeds Road frontages.

This week, councillors sitting on the Nelson area committee voted overwhelmingly to approve those plans and bring the building back into use. Nelson councillor Eileen Ansar said: “It is good to see something positive being done with the building and something that could bring jobs to Nelson.

“It is a shame it has taken so long to progress but it could be good for Nelson.

“The only thing we have asked is that the original sign frontages are kept. They were part of the natural glory of the shop.”

The L-shaped building, part of which was originally a Burton’s store and the remainder the former Woolworth’s, has been empty for at least six years and was also previously used by a freezer goods retailer.

The last major renovation project was when the owners of the Nelson Bazaar converted the former Poundland premises at the corner of Leeds Road and Holme Street.

New tenants are still being sought for the Victory Centre, including the town’s former post office, which is currently only home to a bookmakers and a dress and fabrics store.