A FORMER Workington retail unit will be converted into an ambulance service maintenance, service and repair workshop after planning permission was granted.

The planning application was for a site in Chapel Road and North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) will also build a secure enclosure and pedestrian gates.

Planning permission for the change of use was granted, subject to conditions, by Cumberland Council on Friday (November 8).

According to the officer’s report the site is situated within an existing industrial estate at Derwent Drive with a mixture of uses occupying the surrounding buildings including commercial, retail and industrial.

The report states: “The proposed facility will allow for the maintenance and repair of NWAS fleet, staff training and the provision of an MOT service.

“Having regard to the above, the proposed use of the site is suitable for the sites location within an existing industrial estate and ensures the ongoing use of a current vacant site.”

According to the report the proposal is considered acceptable in principle and accords with local and national planning policies.

It states that the proposal comprises of mainly internal alterations to make provision for the new use of the site and adds: “External works to the existing building comprise of a new roller shutter door to be installed for vehicle entrance to the east elevation to allow for one-way vehicle entry and egress, and a new window is to be provided at the first floor south elevation to serve the proposed offices.

“The existing blue cladding will be repainted to mid-grey in line with current NWAS corporate branding. The proposed alterations to the building are considered acceptable.

“Within the context of the wider site, a 2.4m high security fence is to be erected around the compound for fleet vehicles.

“The fencing is to be constructed in profiled mesh panels and will incorporate vehicular and pedestrian access gates.

“Existing security lights and CCTV are to be replaced. Three stand-column electric vehicle chargers are to be located within designated parking areas; two to serve visitor and staff vehicles and one to serve ambulance vehicles.

“An HV/LV electrical substation is to be sited to the north of the building which will remain within the ownership of ENWL, and LV meter/supply cabinet will be sited immediately adjacent to this.

“The proposed external alterations to the buildings are considered acceptable, as is the proposed layout and appearance of the site overall.”

According to a report, which was submitted in support of the application NWAS outgrew its existing facility and bought purchased the building in March 2024.