PERMISSION is being sought to construct a new three-storey shopping and business development in a popular town - demolishing a century-old building standing in its way.

An application for the scheme, in Grange, has been submitted to planning bosses at South Lakeland District Council this week.

It proposes the new property should be built on the site of the parish hall in the town's Kents Bank Road.

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The applicant, development firm Harborfront West Ltd, states the replacement property would offer a mix of commercial and office space if approval is granted, including for shops, professional services, eateries and drinking establishments.

The current structure on the site, a hall built in 1912 for nearby St Paul's Church, would be torn down as part of the plan.

A report to SLDC planning officers, who are assessing the application before it is presented to members of the authority's planning committee, states Historic England rejected a move to have the parish hall listed last year.

It has sat empty since its closure in 2015.

The upper floors of the new building would be accessed by stairs and a lift and there would be a small car park for employees who drive to work.

The document states: "The submitted design responds to advice received during those meetings and is contemporary with traditional finishes to the principal elevations.

"It is envisaged the majority of employees will live locally but a small car-park is situated at the rear together with bicycle parking.

"The site is also close to a public car park and car park passes will be provided to employees who need to travel to work by car."
Responses are now being sought from residents of neighbouring properties and members of Grange Town Council.

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