Plans have been lodged to convert an empty hotel in a South Cumbrian village into homes.
Morecambe-based FJD277 Ltd has submitted a planning application to Westmorland and Furness Council to transform the existing buildings at the Cross Keys Hotel in Milnthorpe into 18 apartments and four houses.
There would be be two affordable properties, which consist of one three-bedroom home and one two-bedroom house.
It said there was a need for smaller housing stock in the area to allow younger people onto the property ladder, and for elderly people to downsize.
It added: “The building has been empty for a period of over 12 months. The use as a hotel is no longer viable.
“Without a new use the building will start to decay, and as a listed building a new use will ensure the money is injected to maintain the upkeep of this heritage asset. The use as residential will see the building being looked after going forward.”
Internal repairs, alterations and improvements would be required, which the applicant said would enhance the appearance of the building.
The same company has applied separately to build five three-bedroom properties at the back of the hotel.
It said the detached home and four semi-detached properties would create a set of affordable style housing for the local community.
It added: “There is insufficient stock in the area and as such many people move out of the area to find housing. This in turn drives away business and the towns viability and vitality.
“Local agents have been contacted to discuss the proposals and it is agreed that there is very high demand for this size of property in the area.”
The application to convert the empty hotel into apartments and houses is undergoing public consideration.
