DALTON town centre is to get a new beauty and tanning salon – creating four new jobs, council planners have agreed.

The business will go at 66 Market Street in the empty Poole Townsend Estate Agents building, Barrow council’s planning committee ruled.

Charles Wilton, the council’s principal planning officer, told committee members the change of use from estate agents to a salon would lead to the loss of a traditional retail unit from Dalton town centre.

However, many retail businesses had moved online with councils encouraged to welcome new businesses in to help the national high street.

“Policies used to be quite strict around retail at one time but are more relaxed today,” said Mr Wilton.

“Councils have been encouraged to allow a greater range of commercial uses in town centres because they then encourage people to visit.

“The proposed use of this as a beauty and tanning salon falls into that category.”

The plans were lodged by applicant Paul Griffiths, represented by planning agent Malcolm Jones.

Cllr Derek Gawne noted the application required the demolition of an extension at the rear of the building.

Mr Wilton said it was not a planning issue and said the extension was not necessary for the operation of the new business.

Officers found the proposal would compliment Dalton town centre and result in a “much improved” shop front.

It would also help the “traditional character” of the town centre and “enhance” the conservation area, officer’s found.

At the same meeting, plans to make the Conservative constituency office in Market Street permanent, were also unanimously agreed by the committee.

The unit has been used as an office by the party temporarily since the summer of 2017.