CONCERN has been raised over banking in Grange-over-Sands after plans to turn the former Barclays Bank in the area into a new dwelling.

The Main Street site was formerly an operational bank in the area until it closed in 2019 and was quickly followed by Lloyds.

The Grade II listed bank went under the hammer in an online auction in April 2020 and the building was sold for £137,000 and is now owned by David Phelan.

That figure was more than double its guide price going into the auction.

Lloyds was the last bank left in Grange until it closed, leaving only a Furness Building Society in the area, which was described as devastating by one district councillor.

"The banks promised all sorts to us in terms of bringing vans to the area for banking in person, but I have not seen many," district councillor Peter Endsor said.

"It is devastating for Grange, but it is still quite easy to draw out money from the Post Office.

"When it comes to speaking to a bank manager face to face then residents have to travel.

"I am not sure what the answer is to sort this for the future."

Cllr Endsor went on to say how travelling from Grange can also be an issue as the transport links via a bus into Kendal for those wanting to bank is a full day's trip, especially if there is any issue on the A590.

The delegated report from the South Lakeland District Council Planning Committee said: "When weighed against the public benefit of improving the residential amenity of neighbours and ensuring the best suited use of the site should ensure continued maximum sustainable use of the listed building, it is considered that the less than substantial harm is outweighed by that public benefit.

"Therefore, subject to conditions the proposal is recommended for approval."

There were no objections from any local authorities and councils to the proposals, and there were six responses from neighbours all in support of the application.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron said: “The decision of banks to slowly abandon local high streets has left us with old buildings standing empty.

“More housing is to be welcomed, but it’s absolutely critical that new housing in the town is affordable.

“Grange is becoming full of second homes and holiday lets. This of course has benefits for the local economy but it’s all about balance.

"For towns like Grange to continue to be great places to live then they need a permanent population so that there are enough kids to go to the local schools and enough people to use the local shops, pubs and cafes.”