PLANS to convert the upper floor of a grade II listed property in Barrow into an ‘aparthotel’ in a bid to secure a ‘viable future’ for the building have been given the green light.

Westmorland and Furness Council has approved plans from G&C Holdings Ltd to transform the upper floors and part of the ground floor of 111 Duke Street from offices into an eight-bedroom aparthotel.

The proposed change of use is for the conversion from commercial use to use as short-term lettable managed accommodation in the form of eight self-contained rooms as an aparthotel.

The design and access statement says: “There is a limited market in the town for upper storey office accommodation with poor access. The proposal for change of use of upper floors to managed accommodation, whilst retaining commercial use at ground floor level, will provide a viable future for the building.

“No work is proposed to change the exterior of the premises, apart from the replacement entrance door, which is considered an enhancement. Internally, the proposed works have been sensitively designed to minimise impact upon the fabric of the building and to be reversible if appropriate in the future.

“It is considered therefore that the proposals do not have a significant detrimental effect upon the heritage asset.”

According to planning documents vehicle parking is available for one car to the back of the building.

The planning application was approved on March 27.