COUNCIL planners have given the go-ahead to turn a town centre eyesore into 90 flats.

The borough’s regeneration arm, Forward Swindon, had lodged a prior approval notification to convert derelict offices in Falcon House into one-bedroom apartments.

The offices above Debenhams and overlooking Fleming Way have been empty for over a decade. Targeted by vandals and graffiti artists, windows in the block have been smashed.

Forward Swindon hopes to work with a developer to renovate the building. The project forms part of town centreregeneration plans.

South Swindon Parish Council raised no objection to the plans. The highways officer and flood engineer also gave their go-ahead to the bid to convert the upper six floors of the concrete block.

In application documents lodged with the borough council, planning agents Ken Scadden Associates say the building contains some asbestos, which will be removed as part of the conversion works. Each flat would have its own car and cycle parking space.

Building owner Standard Life and Swindon Borough Council are in talks over the latter signing a 47-year lease on Falcon House. Standard Life will fund half the costs to refurbish the building and the council will collect the rental income from the flats.

Committee briefing notes prepared for the borough's town centre boss Coun Garry Perkins this month said the refurbished block would have the appearance of a brand-new building.

"On completion, Falcon House will contribute towards the council's Vision for Swindon and the ambition to be a model of well-managed housing growth that supports and improves new and existing communities," the council said.