TWO Kendal town centre sites are to be developed to create nearly 30 new homes.

South Lakeland District Council’s planning committee gave the thumbs up to convert a former builder’s business at Martindale’s Yard into 13 homes and also to demolish more than 70 garages on Dowker’s Lane to make way for 14 affordable rented houses.

Martindale’s Yard was once a bustling commercial area but has stood empty since 2011 when long-established firm GF Martindales closed.

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But now the yard, which sits off Woolpack Yard and Entry Lane, will be transformed into seven two-bedroomed homes and six three-bedroom properties.

A speaker on behalf of developer PNR Construction told the meeting: “This is a policy compliant development with much to be commended. It is sustainable and will bring back into use a derelict site.”

SLDC’s planning officer Fiona Clark added: “The site requires development. It is in a poor state of repair and works are needed to renovate and protect the historic buildings in the area. This scheme will do that.”

Cllr Janette Jenkinson said: “I think it is about time something is done. It will add to a very attractive mix of buildings.”

Meanwhile, plans to knock down 72 garages on Dowker’s Lane were approved - despite local residents claiming it will cause ‘serious parking issues’.

But the meeting heard only 21 of the garages are used by Waterside residents. The rest are used by non-residents (37) and businesses (three) with 11 unsuitable for use.

The plans propose 12 parking spaces for the new houses as well as 20 new parking spaces for the exclusive use of Waterside residents.

South Lakes Housing submitted the proposals as part of a package of ‘environmental improvements’ to the Waterside Estate.

Cllr Sylvia Emmott said: “The condition of the garages makes them look like a 1920s toilet block so I welcome the changes. I think it is great that all that mess is going to be removed.”