An application has been lodged with the council’s planning department seeking permission to change a listed building into a new gin bar and distillery.

The building, known as Transformer House, is part of a Grade II Victorian mill complex in Northlight Parade, Brierfield, which contains approximately 380,000 sq ft of floor space within four buildings over a site area of approximately seven acres.

A design and access statement lodged alongside the plans states that the complex is currently being regenerated into a mixed-use development.

It reads: “Transformer House is the smallest of the buildings and following the demolition of a previously attached mill building, has become a stand-alone unit.

“The building currently only comprises of a ground floor, with a total floor area of 135 sq/m.

“It has always been the intention that Transformer House will be renovated once a tenant was found.

“The tenant wishes to create a gin bar. It is believed that the future use of Transformer House as a gin bar will contribute significantly to the whole development.

“It ensures an important redundant industrial building is renovated, reused and maintained to a high standard, thus helping to contribute to the site as a whole. It also offers the development to be open and active after ‘day-time’ working hours.”

The areas which require improvement are the brickwork, but care needs to be considered in order not to detract from the original stonework.

A new entrance door and canopy is planned to be installed along with a galvanised accessible ramp to the main entrance on the north elevation.

Internally a new mezzanine floor is to be installed to provide first floor seating and bar area. This will allow for the distilling of the gin on the ground floor along with general amenity facilities.

The building will receive a platform lift to provide access for customers between ground floor and the mezzanine

The statement continues: “It is considered that the size and position of Transformer House lends itself to a use such as a high-quality bar.

“Whilst this planning application is for the building known as Transformer House, it is important for it to be considered against the current and future redevelopment of the whole complex; with each building contributing to the overall development.

“The proposal hopes to provide much needed economic and social benefits to the development and surrounding area.

“Re-using existing buildings helps to retain our important heritage assets but also represents a sustainable approach to providing required building space.”

A separate application has been submitted requesting consent to make alterations to the listed building.

Anyone wishing to comment on the application has until January 6 to do so.