Its application stated the scheme would “contribute to the local area providing additional good quality private rental apartments that are in great demand”.

In 2017, The Department for Work and Pensions announced a series of closures of job centre closures across the UK.

The Muslin Street office closed in February the next year and was marketed by Savills. Spectrum Properties bought the site in April this year and proposed the change of use.

Spectrum Properties believed the plans would provide a “sustainable re-use of a redundant building” as there is “little likelihood of the building being returned to a commercial use due to lack of demand”.

The planning application added: “The proposals require minimal structural intervention and provide 49 residential apartments in an area with little other alternative than housing associations, with long waiting lists.”

The application added: “There is no doubt there is a significant requirement for private rented accommodation within the city, with Bridgeton being without exception. The proposals provide two flat types with communal facilities lacking in many similar developments.

“To the rear of the site it is proposed to reduce the extent of the car park to provide residential amenity, with planting to encourage biodiversity, as well as a reconfigured car park to accommodate disabled parking spaces.”