Plans to convert the former home of The Mail newspaper in Barrow into flats have been given the go-ahead.

Barrow Council's principal planning officer, Maureen Smith, informed councillors that, due to the number of flats being built, the 10 per cent figure would not be financially viable to the developer of the Abbey Road building.

But members of the council's planning committee still voted with 11 councillors in favour and none opposed for approval of proposals from Mr D Clark ARRG Ltd.

The 10 per cent affordable housing forms part of the borough council’s local plan when it comes to conversions of unlisted empty properties.

Three shop units will be build on the ground floor and a communal roof terrace will form part of the modern additions.

The agent has yet to reveal a date for construction works to begin, which will also see the entrance to the building being relocated to the side by the car park.