The landmark Crown Hotel, at the foot of the High Street, was destroyed by a fire in 2009, leaving it with no roof and little interior. The building has laid derelict ever since.

Now, however, the developer plans to build five flats on the upper floors as well as two shops on the ground level.

A design statement said the fire had caused “serious structural damage”, resulting in the roof and upper floors being removed, The Courier reports.

It added: “The proposals aim to rehabilitate the remaining dilapidated structures and bring them back to life.

“It will regenerate this end of the High Street, which has seen major improvements in recent years.”