Plans to convert former Orissa Cocktail Lounge, in Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, to two-bedroom apartment lodged with West Suffolk Council

Plans to convert a former town centre bar to a flat have been submitted to a council.

Mr Ahmed has applied to West Suffolk Council to change the use of the first floor 108 Risbygate Street, in Bury St Edmunds, to a two-bedroom apartment.

The building houses the Orissa curry house on the ground floor, while its upper floor was formerly used as a function room and latterly the Orissa Cocktail Lounge.

A planning statement said the decision for the conversion was an economic one, as the space was no longer being used for customers.

The property is a heritage asset and Grade II-listed.

The proposed new flat would be accessed via stairs currently used as a fire escape.

The outside of the building would not be changed under the plans.

The first floor was formerly used as a residential space.

Under the plans, the internal access door to the restaurant would be blocked off, while two upstairs windows, which were blocked during it use as a function room, would be unblocked.

An existing central fireplace would be retained.

The flat would have an open plan kitchen, dining and living space.

The main bedroom would have an en suite bathroom while there would also be a separate bathroom and toilet.

Both bedrooms would have built in wardrobes.

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A decision on the application is due by January 26.