PLANS to alter a Carlisle shop front in the city centre have been lodged with Cumberland Council's planning department.

The application is for the former House of Fraser building in English Street and the project would create new entrance doorway within the existing shop front to comply with building control and fire regulations.

According to a heritage statement the application has been submitted by Caffe Nero which occupies the building.

It states: "The property is located within the Carlisle City Centre Conservation Area and although the property is not listed, there are a mixture of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings, and scheduled monuments in the vicinity – within approximately 50m."

These include:

Market Cross (Grade I Listed);

gates and lamp bracket to the east of Church of St Cuthbert with St Mary (Grade II Listed);

Church of St Cuthbert with St Mary (Grade II* Listed);

Roman and medieval town area bounded by Heads Lane West Wall and Blackfriars Street (scheduled monument).

According to the statement 26 to 40 English Street is on the western side of English Street, close to the Market Place.

It adds: "The site comprises two buildings, including a prominent four-storey building, which previously served as a department store to the north, and a two-storey building to the south.

"The minimal nature of the works mean that there will be no impact to the significance of these heritage assets in the wider area, nor will they affect the character, appearance or significance, of the conservation area."

According to the report the proposed alterations are to the existing shopfront area occupied by Caffe Nero on the ground floor only, which is a later 20th century alteration with extensive glazing and is of no architectural interest.

The report states: "The proposed alteration to the existing shopfront will allow the creation of a new entrance doorway which will comply with Building Control And Fire Regulations.

"The proposed alterations to the existing shopfront and creation of an additional doorway will be in keeping with the current arrangement and will have no impact on the significance of the conservation area."

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