A FORMER Grade-II listed hotel will be converted into apartments after plans were given the green light.

A proposal submitted to South Lakeland District Council to transform the former Lonsdale House Hotel in Ulverston into 10 self-contained apartments has been approved.

The property, in Daltongate, traded as a hotel from the 1950s until its sale in December to the current owner.

According to the plans, the owner purchased the site with the intent to convert it to residential use, for which there is an ‘established demand’.

The proposal reveals plans to convert the building into 10 self-contained residential apartments, together with four letting bedrooms which will be fully managed, on a short-term let basis, as serviced accommodation.

Plans state that the hotel will be converted within the ‘confines of the historic fabric’ to retain the external appearance as entirely intact as possible.

The plans state: “In this way, the impact of the arguably harmful earlier additions can be remedied by partial removal, and reconfiguration of the spaces in a more sympathetic manner, will result in a positive overall impact, and ensure a secure future for the historic building.”

According to the delegated report, three letters of objection were received from a neighbouring occupier about the plans concerning: lack of on plot or on street parking, increased parking pressure for existing residents and alterations being 'at odds' with the character of the building.

Karen Etchells, of Daltongate in Ulverston, penned a letter objecting to the plans.

She said: "Currently it's impossible to find a parking place along Daltongate during the day due to people parking then walking into town or work.

"This would further compound the issues faced and we are also losing another of the town's historic hotels. The town also does not need these new apartments."

However, the delegated report states restorative works would 'benefit' preserving the significance on the listed building.

It states: "Although the building is Grade II-listed and is statutorily protected and of local significance, it has been substantially modernised internally and already lost much of its original fabric.

"This proposal seeks to enhance what remains, improving some elements including the staircases and folly.

"The existing building is currently empty and its condition is deteriorating.

"As such these restorative works and reoccupation as a residential use would be of benefit to preserving the significance of the listed building, provide a visual improvement within the street scene, as well as secure the long term protection and maintenance of the building."