An 18th century Bristol stable block which housed Avon and Somerset police's counselling and welfare unit could be turned into homes.

A planning application has been submitted for permission to turn grade II listed Napier Miles House in Kingsweston, called one of the most important historic buildings in Bristol by an architect, into 14 townhouses and apartments.

Last year police staff moved out of the building, constructed as stables for Kingsweston House in 1763, to offices in Portishead after deeming the property unsuitable.

Avon and Somerset police authority wants to sell the building, in Napier Miles Road, with planning permission to maximise its potential sale price to a developer.

The plans involve redeveloping the building and adding two rear extensions to create one and two-bed homes and 14 parking spaces.

If plans were approved, work would be done to reinstate and enhance original features, the courtyard would be restored and the facade would be refurbished to its original state.

A statement supporting the application submitted to Bristol City Council describes the property, designed by Scottish architect Robert Mylne, as "one of the most important historic buildings remaining in the city".

Moira Hamlin, chairwoman of the police authority, said: "As part of the ongoing review of the police authority property portfolio, the Napier Miles building in Bristol has been identified as no longer fit for operational purpose.

"Because of its grade II status, any new owner would need to secure planning approval for a change of use.

"Therefore the authority has submitted a planning application for residential units to Bristol City Council following extensive work in partnership with the conservation officer and English Heritage.

"It would then on approval be offered to the market with consent, maximising the potential return of the property."

Avon and Somerset police's occupational health team moved out of Napier Miles House in August because of the building's lack of disabled access and its high running costs.

Bristol Police Force took it over in 1962 after a campaign to save the stable block from demolition.

Avon and Somerset police, which also owned nearby Kingsweston House, sold the property to the council in 1995 but retained the stable block for its welfare division, which dealt with officers troubled by work stress, relationship problems, debt and bereavement.

Bristol City Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by the end of March.