PLANS to transform a late poet's former home into a visitor attraction will continue, despite a proposal to turn it into a physiotherapy clinic.

Norman Nicholson's former home, at 14 St George's Terrace, Millom, has been the subject of a change of use application submitted to Copeland Borough Council last month.

Charlie Lambert, chairman of the Norman Nicholson Society, has been fighting for a number of years to buy and renovate the house into a tourist attraction and centre for study and community activity.

He said: "As far as we are concerned, our long-term aim is unchanged and we still want to do it, even if we're talking to a different owner.

"We have had the feasibility survey come back quite positively and we are currently considering whether to go to the National Lottery for funding."

Born in 1914, Mr Nicholson lived his entire life at the home, on 14 St George's Terrace, in Millom, before his death in 1987.

Last month, the Nicholson Coffee Shop closed its cafe at the poet's former home.

The application states the proposed clinic would employ three members of staff.

Millom mayor, Cllr Angela Dixon said: "It is keeping business in the town and that is something we need.

"We will definitely look to support the society where we can.

"He was a great poet and I think people should be able to visit where he lived because it is part of our history."

The application is now open for consultation, with residents having until April 6 to have their say, before a final decision will be made.