PLANS which requested consent for alterations to a listed outbuilding in the Cockermouth area have been approved subject to conditions by Cumberland Council.

It was for a site at Limetree House in Dovenby and it proposed that the development would provide additional accommodation ancillary to main property by rationalizing the floor layout.

The planning officer's report states: "The degree of harm is considered to be low. The works have been designed to preserve the building and its setting and features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses."

A separate report stated: "The proposal will also allow for improved access to the garden area at the side of the property. This will enable better use of the outside space and improve the natural light into the proposed bedroom area."

According to the report the site is accessed directly from the local highway network serving the village and it adds: "The space available is more than adequate to provide parking and turning requirements and it is not considered that the proposed works will increase the requirement for additional vehicles."

The building was listed in 2002 and, according to the heritage statement, it is Grade II listed. It states: "This list entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.

"Unless the list entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.

"For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before July 1, 1948."