Bid submitted to convert former M&M Motors building into two homes

Carlisle City Council has received an application for planning permission to convert the former MGM Motors repair and servicing building into two residential units with two bedrooms each.

The agent, Black Box Architects Limited say that they hope to complete the work on the Morton Street building “with minimal interference to the fabric and street appearance.”

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MGM Motors is a tall two-storey building with solid brick walls and a slate roof, it now stands empty as the vehicle repair business has now scaled down its operations.

In supporting statements submitted with the application, Black Box Architects said: “The current owners were offered the chance to purchase the building and look to conversion, rather than a continuance of use.

“This led to the logical conclusion of conversion to small residential units as the building carries good spatial layout and direct access off Morton Street, primarily terraced residential.

“The change of use therefore integrates well into the fabric of the street and the use categories.”

Works will be carried out sensitively to avoid damaging the industrial era building’s character and heritage.

“Fine metal framed doors and windows to the new house entrances will keep an industrial feel to the street elevation and all existing windows will be replaced in similar narrow module metal composites.”

The agent points out that the development “appears to satisfy the need to develop brownfield sites within the city and also to enhance the diversity of housing stock, against the mass house building dominance.”

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