Permission sought for conversion to form 14-bed house in Barrow

The property in Paradise Street was formerly used by the Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service.

The scheme would see a roof terrace of 28 sq metres created and each bedroom given an en suite.

All residents would have access to the roof terrace 'where they can sit in a private, and relatively sheltered, outdoor space when desired'.

"The property which would receive the bulk of the views from the roof terrace is not sensitive to overlooking or loss of privacy," says a planning statement submitted by CG Homes in support of the application. 

"It is an industrial unit, which is a place of work where no sensitive activities occur."

The statement predicts that occupants of the property are 'not likely to own a car'.

It stresses that the location of the site is 'highly accessible' and means the 'lack of dedicated parking is not an issue'.

The statement highlights the proximity of the property to the town centre, to the train station and to bus routes. 

An internal cycle parking space is to be provided on the ground floor of the property for each room.

"Significant on-street car parking is not expected as a result of this proposal," says the statement.

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The smallest room would be 8.5 sq metres in size, not including the en suite, with all of the other rooms exceeding 10 sq metres. 

Two kitchen areas – of 15.2 sq metres and 31.2 sq metres in size – would be available to residents.

The proposal would also see the external walls and the walls and the ceilings between new rooms within the building insulated.

"The development will ensure that this prominent corner plot does not fall into disrepair, or start to attract anti-social behaviour," says the planning statement.

"The proposal will secure its refurbishment, enhance its energy efficiency and provide highly sustainable new homes with a significantly reduced need to travel to access employment, services and facilities."