NEW window frames planned for Kendal's new business hub have been given the go-ahead.

South Lakeland District Council wants to replace the thin grey metal frames at 124 Highgate - between the Highgate Hotel and the Brewery Arts Centre - with white uPVC double-glazed frames.

As reported by the Gazette, the council has acquired the empty 1970s office block to transform into modern offices for small and medium-sized companies, start-ups and micro-businesses. To be known as the Kendal Enterprise Centre, the project is to cost £477,000.

Kendal Town Council recommended the new window frames be refused, saying they were inappropriate for the Conservation Area.

However, in a report from planning officers, councillors heard that the frames could not be said to harm the Conservation Area because they were replacing "existing non-traditional materials and design".

Cllr David Williams said he had opposed the council buying the building, and "with great reluctance" he proposed the new window frames be granted.

Cllr David Fletcher said: "The building says it all. The style of the windows is not very much style at all."

Describing the property as "very bland", Cllr Janette Jenkinson said she hoped there would still be room for attractive window boxes in summer.