It added that the building “clearly served an important role in the day-to-day lives of people from surrounding settlements where collieries provided employment.
“But following the closure of the local collieries, its importance as a community focal point has diminished and its importance to the community has been lost.”
The statement said the new plans would “help protect the building’s future by providing a use that is sustainable into the future.”
Planned work includes repairing the structure and making it waterproof.
The statement said flags and a “large panda” would also be removed and the property would be repainted.
The council’s conservation officer said: “We would be pleased to see a sensitive scheme of refurbishment for this fine building, which has social, historic, and aesthetic interest.”
The officer said the removal of the current signs and flags on the building was also supported, adding: “These are overly dominant and detract from the architectural quality of the building.”