More student flats could be built as plans are submitted for former pub to be demolished

The building, on the corner of Bulk Road and Parliament Street, would be demolished and a five-storey block of 19 flats built in its place.

The flats would have a rooftop garden with a restaurant or convenience store on the ground floor.

The property is currently empty, but was most recently a garage and before that the Mechanics Arms pub.

As a statutory consultee Lancaster University has highlighted the need to ensure accessible rent levels for students in the city and said in its response that "the studio proposal seems to be aimed to the higher end of the student residential market".

Candace Davies, head of accommodation at Lancaster University, said: "The university works hard to maintain rent levels across the city and prevent rent increase across the sector for the interest of all students."

Meanwhile, a new bar could be opened in the city centre in a former gym premises.

Dr Gruffydd Morris has submitted a planning application to Lancaster City Council to change the use of a former gym and fitness studio at 10 Slip Inn Lane to open a new bar.

The new bar would create four new jobs and open from 11am until 1am Monday to Friday, 11am until 2am on Saturday and from 11am until 1am on Sundays and bank holidays.