Plans to turn Botchergate, Carlisle property into bedsits

If successful it would mean the Botchergate premises could be turned into five bedsits and have a single-storey rear extension rebuilt.

According to a planning statement, pre-application discussions indicated that the proposed use of the building was deemed acceptable in principle.

The report states: "The building is the end property on a terrace of commercial properties facing into Botchergate, a main commercial thoroughfare in Carlisle.

"The proposed use is bedsits. The building is currently vacant but the previous use was bedsits on the first floor, with a vacant shop on the ground floor, which arrangement lends itself to a simple conversion to the proposed use without any structural alterations other than the proposed rear extension."

According to the report there would be five bedsits on the first floor and the existing extension would be rebuilt.

The site of the property on Botchergate (Image: Cumberland Council planning portal)

It is proposed that there would be no changes to the north east and south east elevations other than to install new white upvc sliding sash windows.

The report states that security locks would be fitted to the main entrance doors and an intruder alarm would be installed.

It adds: "The proposal will have no adverse impact on the conservation area. In fact, the repairs to the facade of the building, restoring of the original fabric, and the new and replacement windows all being of the same traditional style will standardise the fenestration of the building, all having a positive impact on the conservation area."

The application is currently being considered by planning officers at the council.