Plans to convert only shop selling ‘essentials’ in Cumbrian village refused

By Dan Hunt, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to convert the only shop that sold ‘essential goods’ in a south Cumbrian village into flats have been turned down by the council.

Westmorland and Furness Council has rejected proposals from Kirkby Platinum to convert Moorland Stores and post office on School Road in Kirkby-in-Furness into two flats after receiving more than 40 objections from local residents.

The developer had applied to the council to determine if prior approval was required for the proposed change from a ‘redundant shop and post office’ into two ground floor flats.

The shop was closed after it was bought following the previous owner’s retirement but villagers hope it will reopen as a store.

Planning officers ruled the principle of the development was ‘not acceptable’ as the existing use fell in planning terms under local community use and not commercial use as the shop mostly sold ‘essential goods’ and there is no alternative store within a kilometre.

According to a report prepared by planners the internal floor areas of the proposed units ‘fails to meet the national space standards’, and the submitted plans ‘fail to accurately reflect the existing layout’.

The decision notice added: “Recent internal works to insert new partition walls, radiators, and flooring have been carried out, and the existing floor plans submitted with the application fail to match the new internal layout. Therefore, on the basis of the information submitted, the local planning authority considers that the change of use to residential has likely already occurred.”

Planners concluded the proposed development does not fall under permitted development and full planning permission would be required.

Locals warned the shop was a ‘lifeline’ for many residents in the area and one objector to the plans said there is no other well-stocked convenience store within five kilometres

David Wayles, objecting on behalf of his mother, stated: “The absence of a village store makes life very difficult for elderly residents and those without a car as bus coverage is poor.

“The current temporary closure of the store means that many more journeys are being made to shops in Askam, Dalton, Ulverston or further.”

Rita Ide and Gail Burns commented: “The shop was not only for provisions, but a place of social importance. People could stop into the shop to chat; sit on the stool at the counter and have contact with others in the village.

“It provided a place to post notices, requests, trades, etc., as well as a place where charity sponsorship forms could be bought, and tickets for village events, raffle tickets for village groups, and the annual Garden Observation Competition forms could be purchased.”

(Local Democracy Reporting Service)