A FORMER police station is set to be transformed into flats.

Westcliff Police Station, in Claremont Road, Southend was sold in March by the force for £781,500.

Plans have now been submitted to turn the building into four flats.

The police station closed to the public in September 2012 - although it reopened temporarily while the Southend stations, in Victoria Avenue, was being refurbished.

SK Architects have submitted the plans on behalf of developer - known only as Mr Kearney.

They propose a new rear extension to the building, which is on the corner with West Road.

The existing building was constructed in the 1900s. It is in a traditional Victorian and Edwardian, with red bricks and sash windows.

Old extensions to the building are said to be in a poor conditions.

The application reads: “To the rear there are two additions at the north and south end these additions have been introduced at a later stage and do not integrate particularly well with the main building as are in a fairly poor condition.

In a statement to planners, an SK Architects spokesman said: “The proposal seeks to create, remodel and reuse this important local building to deliver much needed housing in close proximity to local services and infrastructure making best use of the previously developed land and a previously used building.

“The proposal includes a two storey extension to the rear to greatly improve the appearance of the building and remove the poorly detailed two storey and single storey additions.”

The developer says the building “will be restored, cleaned and repointed to create an enhanced presence to the street.”

There will be a shared open space to the rear of the building, which is accessible to all future residents.

Parking spaces will be available for all of the flats.

A roof terrace has also been introduced “to provide additional amenity whilst being responsive and respectful of neighbouring amenity and privacy.”

The area around the building will be landscaped and existing tarmac removed completely.

The police station in West Street, Rochford was also sold off to developers for £925,000 earlier this year.

When the buildings were up for sale, Police and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst said: “It is police officers out in our communities that prevent crime and keep people safe, not police buildings.”

Leigh station, in Chapel Street, is currently used as offices by the force.