Plans to create dozens of apartments within an office block that once housed Preston’s driving theory test centre have been given the go-ahead.

The conversion of the eight-storey Norwest Court premises, at the junction Cross Street and Guildhall Street, was approved by Preston City Council.

The ground floor of the building was the place where learner drivers from across Central Lancashire used to take their theory exam. That facility was relocated more than four years ago to Marshall House on Ringway.

Norwest Court, at the junction of Cross Street and Guildhall Street, is set to become flats | Google

placeholder image — Norwest Court, at the junction of Cross Street and Guildhall Street, is set to become flats | Google

Now the entire property will be converted into 37 one and two-bedroomed apartments after being granted so-called ‘prior approval’ by the local authority – a mechanism that simplifies the planning process for turning business or commercial premises into residential dwellings.

The scheme was judged to be in “a highly sustainable location…[with] good public transport links”. It will also provide parking spaces for 20 bicycles.

A report from town hall planning officers, detailing their decision added: “The surrounding street scene is predominantly residential, with some mixed commercial uses and as such, the conversion from offices to residential is deemed suitable and would not subject future occupants to unacceptable levels of noise.”