A CHARITY has been wished 'good luck' by the community after plans were submitted to develop parts of its building.

Signal Film and Media, a charity that runs Cooke's Studios from 102 and 104 Abbey Road, has submitted a Listed Building Consent and planning application to renovate and make alterations to the buildings, as it is currently "unwelcoming", and "a rabbit warren".

The charity were awarded £490,000 by Arts Council funding earlier this year for the planned renovation.

Metcalfe Wood Sharon said: "If they can keep the front part of the building, I don’t see what the problem is rearranging the inside to suit them.

"Good luck to them if they’ve managed to secure funding. The arts are just as important as other sectors."

Gemma Elizabeth said: "I don't think it's the facade that's the problem here, it's that there isn't any advertising or info. I had absolutely no idea what signal media was/did until they sent a letter to school inviting children on an animation day - which was amazing and would absolutely recommend it."

railway end said: "Would that £490,000 not be better spent on new premises? Seems a lot of money to renovate an old and obviously impractical building in this day and age."

Natalia Wealleans-Turner said: "Fabulous news- well done to Kerry and Loren and their amazing team."

The Planning statement says that the Arts Council funding would "allow the remaining undeveloped parts of 102 to be brought into use and for additional, more costly alterations to the buildings to be made to resolve critical issues with access, the entrance area, and space efficiency, allowing the buildings to operate as a single entity."

The proposed works will alter the front facade, removing part of the glazed frontage, and installing sliding automatic doors.

There will also be "alterations to the internal arrangement of the ground floor to form a reception area and cafe, and renovation of the basement and attic to create working spaces, and accessible toilet facilities."