The club where Churchill was pelted with tomatoes

A Lincoln building where Sir Winston Churchill was pelted with stones, mud and even tomatoes by an angry crowd could be turned into student accommodation.

The Liberal Club on St Swithin's Square has been empty for a number of years and a planning application has been lodged to turn it and a neighbouring building into 15 flats with space for 112 students.

In December 1910, it was the scene of an "election riot" when Churchill - the then Liberal home secretary - attempted to address a crowd from the balcony, according to the Lincolnshire Chronicle.

The newspaper reported a scene of "great rowdyism", with objects hurled at the balcony", which forced Churchill to flee the building.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), despite promises that the façade facing St Swithin's Square would be preserved, the Lincoln Civic Society has criticised the proposed changes.

"It will require a total destruction of the rear buildings and although it would be good to see the buildings back in action, we feel this is too drastic a proposal," its objection on the council website says.

"The design of the proposed buildings adds nothing to the area as we feel they are bland and utilitarian and would have a detrimental effect on the area."

The City of Lincoln Council's housing department has also objected to more student flats, saying there are many already lying vacant.

Plans also include a restaurant on the ground floor of the building, which was built in 1890.

Planning documents said the proposal would "enhance the character and vitality of St Swithin's Square", and bring the buildings back into use.

The LDRS has approached the developer Gladstone House Limited for a comment.

The proposal is being considered by City of Lincoln Council.

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