Outbuildings at the former home of Samuel Johnson could be transformed into flats under new plans submitted by the owners.

Dr Johnson lived at Edial Hall, in Edial, between Lichfield and Burntwood, between 1735 and 1737.

It was there he set up his school for boys in 1735, where he taught Latin and Greek.

The Grade-II listed building is now a residential home and the owners have lodged plans with Lichfield District Council to convert the outbuildings into three flats.

Joanne Wilson, museum and heritage officer with Lichfield City Council, said the site represented an important “turning point” in Johnson’s life.

Some furniture from the house — which was used by a penniless Johnson to pay his rent when he left for London — is on display in Lichfield’s Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum.

Miss Wilson added: “There haven’t really been very close links between the house and those in Johnsonian circles and I’m not sure if the current owners are aware of its historical importance.

“There did used to be a plaque up outside, but I’m not even sure that it’s there any more.

“It is an significant site because it represents a turning point in Johnson’s life.

“The school at Edial Hall wasn’t a successful venture in itself, but what is significant about it is that one of the students was David Garrick.

“When the school closed, Johnson and Garrick decided to leave Lichfield behind and move to London to seek their fortune.”

The school only had four pupils and was open for just 18 months before it was closed due to lack of funds.

Garrick went on to become a noted actor, playwright and producer in his own right and Lichfield’s Garrick Theatre is named after him.

One of his more successful productions was Irene, which was written by Dr Johnson while he lived in Edial.

Council planners will decide on the plans for the site next month.