Published at 16:06, Friday, 28 June 2013

A PROMINENT Victorian building in Ulverston is set to be transformed into new homes.

Planning permission for the eight flats and one house at the former Glaxo Social Club was granted at a South Lakeland District Council planning meeting.

The move ends two years of speculation over the future use of the Grade II listed building which sits on the corner of Queen Street and Cavendish Street.

In July 2011, nationwide pub chain Wetherspoons refused to rule out the fact that it was considering the property as part of its bid to move into Ulverston.

But district planning bosses have now approved a proposal, submitted by Karen Blackledge, to incorporate nine one, two and three bedroom flats as well as a three bedroom house.

Ulverston councillor Janette Jenkinson told the hearing, at Kendal Town Hall, that she welcomed the application.

“It could be far better for residents of this part of town than the alternative that was mentioned some time ago,” she said.

“We were all aware that Wetherspoons were interested and all hell let loose in Ulverston.”

Cllr Jenkinson added: “When I first heard about this plan for nine units I thought: ‘Surely not!’ But when I looked at it in detail it’s a huge area and I have to say I do like the design.”

Members of the planning committee voted unanimously to accept the plan despite noting a recommendation for refusal from Ulverston Town Council.

The application had also attracted 11 letters of objection from nearby residents who felt the development of the building was over intensive and would worsen street parking conditions.

But the committee agreed to take up an offer from the developer who has volunteered to provide SLDC car park permits to future residents. But Councilor David Ryder said: “The most important thing SLDC is doing is working to make parking easier in Ulverston overall, helping town centre schemes like this to go ahead.”

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