WOULD you like to live in an old toilet?

That is the question estate agents will have to ask potential buyers if plans to turn a former toilet block in Thornbury into flats are given the green light.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the proposal to transform the old toilet block in the town centre into two flats has been labelled "ridiculous" by some people.

A planning application to convert the obsolete public conveniences into two one-bedroom apartments has been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council by a developer known only as Mr N Thornley from Kington, near Thornbury.

The Gazette was unable to contact Mr Thornley to ask him to comment on his vision for the old toilets in Quaker Lane.

However, his planning application reveals that the scheme would include the construction of a first floor on top of the existing building, with each floor then comprising a separate home.

The toilets, which have not been used for more than 10 years, are currently being used as a storage area.

No parking spaces are included in the plans drawn up for the flats, and the existing parking area would be converted into a storage area for rubbish and recycling.

Thornbury residents told the Gazette they were less than impressed by the plans.

David Marchant, from Millfield, said: “I think the plans are absolutely ridiculous, really. The flats would be so small I can’t imagine anyone wanting them.

“I suppose if the price is low enough then they could be nicer for younger people who don’t need car parking.”

Elizabeth Smith added: “How could anyone live there?

"There’s no parking, it’s right off a busy road and the flats must be tiny – how ridiculous.”

The toilets were owned by South Gloucestershire Council with Thornbury Town Council funding the maintenance of the facilities.

In 2011, the town council considered refurbishing the building but the £50,000 cost was deemed too high.

The town council’s town development committee considered the plans at a meeting last Tuesday and members agreed not to object to the application.

South Gloucestershire Council is expected to make a decision on the scheme in the coming months.