THE Cleator Moor branch of Greggs could be moving across the road into a unit if plans to change the shop signs are approved.

Plans to make the changes for the former bookmakers shop in High Street have been lodged with Cumberland Council's planning department.

It is proposed that a new fascia and projecting signage be installed at the ground floor retail unit on the southern side of the street.

According to a planning statement the building is not listed but it does lie within the Cleator Moor Conservation Area.

The report states: "Cleator Moor Conservation Area was designated in 2001 and is quite compact and centred upon the Market Square and a short section of High Street.

"Within the formal market square stand the former council offices and the town council office and the library, both built in red sandstone, a memorial fountain and the more recently constructed Civic Hall beyond.

"There are five listed buildings and one listed structure within the conservation area."

According to the report the conservation area was placed on the Heritage at Risk register in 2019 due to the dilapidation of some of the buildings within it.

It adds: "The application site is a prominent building centrally located within both Cleator Moor town centre and the Cleator Moor Conservation Area.

"The present run down and dilapidated appearance of the building detracts from the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of the listed buildings.

"It is considered that the physical alterations to the building which has itself been altered over the years prior to the designation of the Cleator Moor Conservation Area in 2001, have been well designed and are entirely appropriate to the building and sympathetic to it.

"The proposals retain existing external features which contribute to the character of the building and reflect the functional form and traditional character of the building.

"The overall scale, form and design of the building will not alter to any great degree. The external alterations proposed, in the form of new and altered shopfronts and signage, have also been kept to a minimum and designed to be sympathetic to existing window and door openings and are considered to be appropriate to the appearance and historic uses of the building."

The report states that it is considered that the proposals, the renovation and refurbishment of the building and bringing it back into beneficial use will have a positive impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area.

It adds: "It is further considered that the proposals will have a slight positive impact on the setting of listed council offices, library and memorial fountain within the Market Square and on the former Co-operative supermarket (Phoenix House) on Jacktrees Road and a neutral impact on the setting of the listed former NatWest Bank, 58 High Street, and 13-20 High Street.

"In light of the above, it is considered that the proposed refurbishment works and physical alterations to the building are acceptable with regard to built heritage considerations.

"They will have a positive impact upon the significance, character and appearance of Cleator Moor Conservation Area and will not adversely impact the setting of any nearby listed buildings and structures."

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