AN old smithy in Ramsbottom - and adjoining terraced houses - looks set to be converted into homes.

For years The Smithy, and the next door 10-14 Paradise Street, has operated as a commercial car repair business.

Any one of a number of classic cars could be spotted in the workshop at any one time.

Because of the nature of the buildings, the operator lived next door to the workshop.

But now proposals have been lodged with Bury Council which would see the adjacent properties be refashioned as four separate houses.

Planning agent William Quanthill said: " The properties have been left without any substantial maintenance over a number of years and are in a

largely dilapidated state.

"There are some modest structural issues which require some remedial works, as well as improvements to the general aesthetics."

Part of the overall scheme, submitted to Bury Council, would see the demolition of a number of outbuildings around the site.

Mr Quanthill added: The scheme proposes alterations and extensions to return the premises into a residential use.

"These properties have been converted at ground floor level into a commercial use leaving a single property. These proposals will create an additional four residential properties."

Stonework to the frontage of the early Victorian terrace would be cleaned up, say the agents, though new windows would be installed to replace the current timber frames.

"Paradise Street is a quiet and largely overlooked back-street in Ramsbottom," added Mr Quanthill.

" It is need of investment to enhance what is a potentially a very attractive area.

"Our clients are seeking to provide this investment to redevelop a highly under utilised area, introducing much needed contemporary housing in a highly sustainable and desirable location.

"These proposals seek to retain the semi-industrial aesthetic whilst introducing a contemporary style, adding to the texture of the street scene in a sympathetic manner."