Plans have been revealed for a former bank that has stood empty for a considerable amount of time.

The ex-NatWest bank on High Street, Wigton was sold at the Pugh property auction in Manchester in 2018 for £56,000.

Now, a Manchester-based property developer has come forward, revealing a second set of plans to bring life back into the building.

Tagg Development Ltd has previously worked on historical buildings in the county, completing a similar project to this in Carlisle.

The business has now revealed the new plans to turn the prominent 1,600sq ft Georgian building into both commercial and residential space.

Joel Tagg, owner of the development company previously revealed plans for five residential units, with the retention of a ground floor retail unit on demand.

Talking about the new plans, Mr Tagg explained: “This time we have applied for three residential units.

“We’re really pleased with the design and we’re going to be able to really enhance the existing features of the building.

“We’re now able to utilise parts of the building that were not already accessible.”

The new application submitted by Mr Tagg is for the conversion of the NatWest building ground and second floor into private residential accommodation and alternation and or rebuilding of the rear buildings into separate residential accommodation.

All three residential units will have their own outside space.

Mr Tagg continued: “The density of three residential units, two apartments and one house, reflects the economic viability of not only restoring the main NatWest building but adapting and altering the remaining buildings on site.

“The rear cottage and link will be rendered to match the surrounding materials.

“The cottage at the back of the site will go back to being a cottage and there will be two flats inside.

“A three bedroom and roof terrace on the second flood and two bedroom, two bathroom apartment on the ground floor.”

Mr Tagg is committed to working with local authorities on this project and has welcome the support of Allerdale Council’s grant scheme.

He added: “Due to the diverse nature of Tagg Development Ltd we have been able to weather the storm and we are really committed to this project and to brining something back into Wigton.

“The proposals have been well-received on the whole and we plan to start work as soon as possible if plans are approved.”

The space has remained empty since NatWest closed its Wigton branch in October 2017, and since then several other banks and premises in the town have been left empty, prompting concerns in the community.