Plans to transform the grade-two listed railway station building in Brownlow Road in Ellesmere and develop the surrounding area has turned heads.

The planning application submitted by JLL on behalf of Homes England is for 123 houses with a proposal to convert the Old Railway building into seven apartments with car parking, a new access road and a public open space.

Three applications have been lodged with Shropshire Council.

n The first proposal is to clear, level and restore the site;

n The next is a hybrid application for residential development of 65 dwellings, comprising outline application for up to 58 homes with all matters reserved and full planning application for the conversion of station building into seven apartments with car parking, an access road, public open space and associated works.

n The final planning application is to make alterations to the proposed coversion of the Old Railway Station to residential.

There will be a mix of two- and three-bedroomed houses.

Affordable homes will make up a portion of the total provision, in line with the council’s affordable housing supplementary planning documents.

The design and access statement reads: “The outline planning application aims to provide high-quality homes that meet local demand.

“It hopes to create a neighbourhood which integrates into the surrounding context by enhancing the local character, urban grain and landscape.”

The former Ellesmere train station was constructed in 1860 and opened in 1863.

The railway line provided passenger and goods services to Ellesmere and Whitchurch, eventually extending to Oswestry, Welshpool and further afield until 1965.

The line was closed and the building was left to become derelict.

A few limitations have been highlighted which may cause issues for the development – the requirement to maintain potential access to the railway bridge along Elson Road, a steep slope located near to the western boundary along Elson Road and possible noise issues from industrial units to the east.

However, the opportunities include the public open space, which could be used as a hub, new high-quality affordable homes in a convenient and sustainable location, and the conversion of the grade-two listed building into apartments will ensure its future.

Every house is planned to have external access to rear private amenity areas to allow for secure storage and convenient movement of bins, recycling and bicycles.

Agent Darren Venables from JLL said: “The proposals provide a housing mix that meets the local need and encourages a sustainable community.

“The scheme has been designed to enhance existing features on site to provide a development that will enrich the local area and create a safe and accessible environment for residents and visitors.

“The proposals respond to the local character area, and the former station will be converted to create a landmark building within the site.”

A decision will be made on the application by Shropshire Council by June.