The plans, lodged with the City of Edinburgh Council, include adding two new floors and retaining the Bank of Scotland branch on the ground floor, the Herald reports.

The planning documents state: “The proposals as outlined in this document are for the careful conversion of unused retail bank accommodation into 24 self-contained serviced apartments.

“The existing and now dated 1970s facade is to be stripped and replaced with a more ordered arrangement, with fenestration aligned to respond to the character of adjacent buildings.

“The building height is increased to quietly infill the perceived gap between neighbouring properties, while respecting the significant ‘book-end’ of 71 George Street.

“Plant modernisation allows for wholesale rationalisation of the roof enabling a new, habitable fifth floor comprising of three additional apartments and external terraces.”

The planning documents conclude: “The vision is to carefully re-purpose unused ancillary space into luxury serviced apartments above a prime commercial opportunity at ground floor, resolving a dated facade more suited to its George Street context and thus reinforcing the essential characteristics of Edinburgh’s New Town.”