Multi-million-pound plans to transform a former South Cumbrian police station into homes, offices, restaurant and boutique accommodation in jail cells are set to be given the go-ahead next week.
Members of South Lakeland local area planning committee for Westmorland and Furness Council will discuss the proposals by Building Design Northern to redevelop the Old Police Station and Courthouse on Neville Street in Ulverston.
Proposals include housing commercial office space in the police station and beds in the jail cells.
The superintendent’s quarters, demolished prior to BDN’s purchase of the site, will also house apartments with en suites and kitchenettes
The former courthouse will incorporate a new restaurant pavilion with a surrounding courtyard of former garages converted into a retail space.
Three one and two-bedroom homes are also detailed in plans, replacing former MOT garages, and they will be centred around a communal space.
If the plans are approved, BDN will relocate its Ulverston office to the police station.
Director of architecture and head of BDN’s Ulverston office, Joe Warner, previously said: “As a local business, we are proud to be playing a part in the transformation of a historic Ulverston landmark and investing back into the area we care deeply about.
“Our investment in the former police station demonstrates our commitment to deliver fantastic developments which will bring more people into the area, as our business establishes a larger base in Ulverston.”
The buildings fell out of use since they were vacated by the police in 2015 and have remained unoccupied since.
According to the report prepared for the committee the Ulverston Civic Society said: “We feel the quality of design and repairs to be undertaken reverse much of the damage that has been allowed to take place.
“This is a very visual site to the Conservation Area and main approach into the town and we feel these plans will transform the very depressing feel this site currently projects.”
The council received four letters of representation from residents which were overall supportive of the scheme but raised concerns over the potential noise produced from the development.
The report says the council have carried out noise assessments on the potential noise impact of the development and it states conditions are proposed controlling the opening times of the commercial uses of the site to ensure there is no detrimental impact.
Members of South Lakeland local area planning committee are recommended to approve the application next Thursday, December 21, at Kendal Town Hall.
