Barrow apartment conversions
The proposal asks permission to convert the upper floors of a former retail property into apartments
Plans have been filed to convert former commercial properties in Barrow town centre into new apartments.
The proposal, lodged by Barrow-based C&B Joinery Ltd, asks Westmorland and Furness Council for permission to convert the upper floors of a former retail property into apartments at 14-16 Crellin Street.
It also proposes turning the former bookmaker on the ground floor into retail space.
The application reads that “high quality residential accommodation will be created” and that the conversion will “give viability to the building in the long-term and will contribute positively to town centre viability”.
If approved, the plan would transform the first and second floors into two one-bedroom, two-person flats.
The ground floor unit will be remodelled to allow for new access stairs to the upper floors, and a dedicated residential entrance will be installed on the property.
According to the application, the building dates from the Victorian era.
Internally, the upper floors have not been in use “for some considerable time”.
Previously, they had been living accommodation for the shops below before the two prior ground floor units were joined together.
The application reads: “It is considered that the proposed residential use would be compatible with the broad range of town centre activities that characterise the area.
“Given the mix and pattern of uses along the street, we can identify no adverse impacts.
“Residential uses above ground floor retail units are encouraged in policy terms and the proposals will add to the diversity of uses that characterise this part of the town centre.”
It also reads that the development would “promote the vitality and viability of town centres by focusing new economic growth and the development of main town centre uses within existing centres”.
The development site does not have any existing on-site parking space.
However, the application reads “there are numerous public car parks in the town centre” and the immediate area is “well served by public transport” with the train station “within a 10-minute walk away”.
The consultation date is set to end on October 21.