A derelict pub is set to be transformed into 19 flats.

The North Star, in Old North Road, Royston, was sold to a housing developer earlier this year.

Now plans have been submitted to build 16 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments on the site, with two new buildings to be constructed behind the pub.

At a meeting of Royston Town Council’s planning committee, held on Monday, councillors agreed not to oppose the scheme.

Chair of the planning committee, councillor Lindsay Davidson, said: “This is a site which is looking very derelict, so it will be nice to have some new buildings there.”

And councillor Sarah Dingley said: “It’s the first view of Royston people have when they get off the train and it’s not a good one.”

The North Star has been closed since February 2012, when much of the interior of the pub was destroyed by fire. The proposals follow hot on the heels of plans to turn another ex-pub, the White Bear in Kneesworth Street, into housing.

Councillor Robert Inwood said he felt it was important that the development included some affordable housing.

He said: “It would be nice to see a few of these properties made available for local people. It’s an ideal location for anyone who commutes from the station.”