Plans have been approved to create flats at a historic Gloucester site which once housed the Theatre Royal and Woolworths.

Audiences watched performances at 32 - 34 Westgate Street for more than 130 years before a retail unit was built on the front.

Most recently it has been home to Poundstretcher but has sat empty since it shut its doors.

Quone Ltd based in Upton St Leonards has now been given prior approval to change the first, second and third floors from offices to three two-bed flats and create an access, lobby, bicycle and bin storage facilities on the ground floor.

The 19th Century street-facing elevation will be retained with no changes above ground level.

The empty shop will be refurbished and the front slightly altered to allow the new access for the flats to be created.

Only the shell of the original grand Victorian auditorium still exists and can be seen from College Green.

A statement of significance drawn up by The Heritage Practise in 2021 and submitted as part of the plans said the theatre buildings are 'not expressed or tangible'.

It added there was "clearly potential to enhance the site and its contribution to the surrounding town centre and also celebrate its important architectural and cultural history."

No objections were received to the plans.

A report by Gloucester City Council said: "The buildings have high historic value but limited architectural merit."