THE current use of two floors of a Cockermouth bookshop could be changed from residential to retail to help expand its café if the application is approved.

The plans were lodged with Cumberland Council and the development is for a site in Main Street.

According to the application the existing café is associated with The New Bookshop and it is proposed to change the use of the first and second floors of the property.

A report states: "The café business is an important part of the overall viability of the bookshop and expansion is needed due to increasing popularity.

"42-44 Main Street, Cockermouth is in the Cockermouth Conservation Area. The proposed change of use only involves internal alterations with the external appearance remaining entirely as existing.

"It is therefore considered that the change of use will have no effect on the conservation area setting.

“There are numerous Grade II listed buildings in the immediate vicinity. None of them adjoin the application site and as such it is considered that the listed assets will not be affected by the proposed change of use."

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