A boarded-up and crooked historic cottage in the Ironbridge Gorge is set to be brought back into use for residents and visitors to the World Heritage Site.Telford & Wrekin Council has submitted a planning application for a change of use for Lloyds Cottage, in The Lloyds. The isolated white cottage leans backwards and is a familiar sight to passing motorists.

It has stood empty for two years after the council took over ownership.

But now it is set to be transformed into a meeting place and will feature information displays about major works being carried out in the gorge to prevent a potentially catastrophic landslide.

Land surrounding Lloyds Cottage has already been stabilised.

Councillor Stephen Bentley, cabinet member for the environment, said: “The intention is to establish office space that could be used as a temporary meeting place for members of the public or other interested groups to discuss by prior appointment the instability issues in the Ironbridge Gorge, away from the present construction site.”

He said Lloyds Cottage would also feature information displays highlighting both future and past works that have taken place to stabilise the gorge.

Councillor Bentley said: “The change of use will bring Lloyds Cottage back into practical use and the council believes Lloyds Cottage will be a valuable resource.”

Jayne Madeley, clerk to Gorge Parish Council, said: “The parish council has got no objections to the planning application. It’s best that it is brought into use rather than left to go derelict.”

Parish councillor Mike Swift added: “Any use of a building that will help a community is good.”

The redevelopment is being co-funded by European Regional Development Fund, Advantage West Midlands and Telford & Wrekin Council.

The planning application is due to go before the council’s plans board on September 3.

By Lizzie Yates