An iconic building could be turned into a seven-bedroom home under plans which are being considered by Stockton Council.

It has been proposed to change the distinctive Maxwell’s Corner from a retail to residential property and convert its ground floor and basement into a seven-bedroom house of multiple occupation on Norton Road and Bishopton Lane.

A heritage statement from GW Architectural says: “The external work will include the removal of the existing entrance on Norton Road to make use of the entrance on Bishopton Lane. The existing retail frontage will be replaced with a new construction wall and new window sets to be in-keeping with the building and street scene.

“The intent is to create a front façade that doesn’t look out of place with the street scene and is sympathetic to the look of the existing building and maintaining the historical recognition of the building.

“There will be no concealment or blocking of any historic features. The building will present a much more attractive front façade than that of the neighbouring shuttered vacant retail units.” It says most of the works will be inside the property including partition walls.

Kathryn Freeman, a council historic buildings officer, said in response to the plans that they were likely to contradict policy which said proposals should conserve and enhance heritage assets. She wrote: “The information as submitted is considered both inadequate and contradictory in nature.

“Historically used as retail and leisure facilities, its prime location and style is indicative of its commercial heritage. The change of use to residential accommodation could have a negative impact on both its own heritage, and that of the surrounding conservation area.

“Until further information in the form of a revised heritage statement is submitted, this proposal cannot be assessed further and the development’s failure to meet the criteria as noted above should be taken into account during the decision making process.”

A revised heritage statement was later submitted, giving some more details on the building’s significance and proposed works, saying: “The building has been part of the community talking points having once been adorned with a model elephant on its roof to aid in marketing. When the building was last sold the agents described it as iconic and is fondly remembered in the memories of a certain demographic.

“Since the building’s initial construction, it is predominately the décor of the façade that has changed. Colour schemes and signage have been the main changes, with alterations to signage and the addition of security shutters.

“The internal layout for the ground floor and basement has had minimal changes from what our research can uncover. They have been used as storage in the basement levels and retail on the ground floor. The first and second floors prior to their conversion to individual flats were used as a mix of retail, leisure, office and residential space.”

One person responded saying he opposed the plans: “I think that there are many more suitably [sic] areas that would be better suited for a HMO. Hartington Road or Yarm or even Rwanda.

“Norton Road already has many flats above the shops we don’t want any more. The council should be encouraging other businesses to move into the areas and no more takeaways please, can’t we get accountant/solicitors/etc to occupy these vacant properties? So please don’t allow this to happen.”

When Maxwell’s Corner went up for sale in 2019, it was described as “one of Stockton-on-Tees’ most iconic landmarks” steeped in local history. It is believed it got its name when ES Maxwell acquired the business from John Peckton – a tailor, outfitter, hatter, hosier and glover – in 1913.