An office building at 9 Mill Street could be converted into two new homes if new plans are approved.

Application 24/1686/FUL asks for permission to convert the existing office to two dwellings.

The original 'Old Manse' house was built in the 1850s. It was a clerical home from the 1850s until 1963, when the manse was sold. 

In the mid 1970s the house became a legal practice. 

In around 2014, the legal practice business fell into decline, all staff moved out of the building and the property was sold to Feniton Park Ltd for redevelopment.

Plans by them involved a restaurant on the ground floor of The Old Manse, a maisonette on the upper two levels of the house and two flats in the annexe.

It never happened and Feniton Park Ltd went into liquidation and the house fell into neglect and ruin.

 Ten years have now elapsed and the property is "completely derelict".

The application says: "Prior to the current owners purchasing the property, the house had been occupied and trashed by squatters who had left needles and clear evidence of drug use.

"Windows were broken and water penetrated the building. The current owners have boarded the building windows and put in some security measures to try to deter further deterioration.

"The annexe to the rear of The Old Manse will be redeveloped into a single new home. The current ugly 70s windows will be replaced with sash style windows.

"This development will provide an important contribution to the character of the Mill Street and significantly enhance the attractiveness of the area. The annexe is set back and viewed from Mill Street across the recessed garden frontage."

Read the full application details on the East Devon District Council planning portal. You can also comment on the plans there.