The housing group has submitted a planning application to Scarborough Council to change the shop units in Longwestgate into a two-bedroom flat.

The properties have stood empty for several years and residents have voiced their concerns about the way they have been left to decline, labelling it “disgraceful”.

The shop units have housed various businesses over the years, including a hair salon and a newsagent.

County Cllr Michelle Andrew had been looking into the possibility of converting the property into a youth drop-in centre before Yorkshire Coast Homes submitted the planning application.

She said: “I’m glad they’re going to do something about the buildings. The owners have a responsibility to ensure their buildings don’t bring down the tone of the area.

“If it wasn’t going to be flats it would have been nice to turn it into a youth drop-in centre. But I welcome the fact that it will finally be turned into decent accommodation because we also need that in the town.”

The planning application is currently pending decision.