A historic former weekly newspaper office is set to be turned into an 18-bed house of multiple occupancy.

Plans have been put forward to convert the former Bradford Street home of the now-defunct Walsall Advertiser into a HMO.

The Grade II-listed site, named Bradford House, has been empty for more than seven years.

The property, pictured, was built in around 1830 and has been used for a number of commercial ventures, according to the Birmingham Mail.

As well as creating the 18 bedrooms, work would also be carried out to demolish a rear extension and replace it with a new three-storey one.

The site’s last occupant was Midland Business Management College which closed in 2015.

Agents PUUC Architecture Limited said: “The HMO will be finished to a very high standard and will provide much-needed, affordable and quality residential accommodation.”

The company added: “Returning the application site to permanent use, and specifically a use where no unreasonable noise levels, trade waste or anti-social behaviour is likely to cause concerns for neighbouring residents and businesses, is expected to be an overwhelmingly positive development for the local region.”