Planning applications that could breathe new life into a dilapidated former council depot in Machynlleth have been lodged with Powys County Council.

Full planning and Listed building consent applications have been submitted to Powys council by contractor, Anthony Roberts, to turn the building into a dwelling.

Similar plans to develop the building were submitted last year but later withdrawn.

The former depot, which is near the Old Plas stables and kennels, is part of the buildings associated with Y Plas in Machynlleth, the former home of the Marquess of Londonderry.

It has a wall which is Grade II listed.

Agent Nerina Vaughan, of NRV Architectural Design, said: “The proposal is for the conversion of an old stone building, last used as a council depot, into a single good-quality, sustainable dwelling.

“The building lies on the eastern edge of Machynlleth, alongside the A487 trunk road and is situated an area that was once the grounds of Y Plas Machynlleth.

“The brief was to utilise the redundant council yard and create living accommodation.”

Ms Vaughan said that at the outset a scheme to add more homes on the site had been desired.

“But due to the historical importance of the area surrounding Y Plas this was not appropriate and a proposal to convert the existing building was drawn up,” said Ms Vaughan.

The vision according to Ms Vaughan is to create a comfortable, sustainable family home with a spacious airy living area, constructed to a high standard.

One issue the developer will have to deal with is the roof, which has asbestos sheets.

Ms Vaughan said: “This will be replaced with natural slate which is appropriate for the conservation area.”

Y Plas itself is a Grade II listed building, originally a house called Greenfields dating back to the 1760s but remodelled extensively in the 1840s.

After the Second World War the seventh Marquess of Londonderry gave the mansion and its estate to the town, and it was adapted for use as council offices.

In 1995, after a £3 million refurbishment, funded by Montgomeryshire District Council and the European Union the building became the “Celtica” heritage centre.

For several years, the centre was successful in attracting tourist and educational visits and conferences. Eventually, Y Plas was taken over by the unitary authority, and Powys decided to close the centre in 2006. Y Plas, is now used as a community and meetings venue and is also home to Machynlleth Town Council.

A decision on the applications will be made by Powys County Council planners in due course.