PLANS have been submitted to turn a run-down mill into an innovative creative and residential space.

Ulverston architect Robert Glass, of Tape Design, hopes to convert the ruined Blackling Mill, at Newland Furnace, into a craft centre, architect's office and living accommodation.

In order to preserve the building, which has been in disrepair for over 50 years and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, Mr Glass plans to build a weatherproof zinc box inside the stonework shell, which would be kept as 'a bookmark in history'.

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Mr Glass said: "The plan is to create a building that is dual use. It will include a residence for me as I run the craft centre, offices for Tape Design and a space that will allow local craftspeople to teach and run courses.

"People would be able to come and learn a craft and they could perhaps stay for a week and hang around with like-minded people.

"The space could also be used for other things, such as to provide respite care for special needs children; I want to design it so it is open to various activities."

Mr Glass has been aware of the site and how it has been falling into disrepair for the last ten years.

While he was at university, he designed the conversion of the old corn mill at Newland which his parents bought and now live in.

He was inspired to do a similar things with Blackling Mill, and contacted the owner to see if he would be able to buy it.

"I was walking around the site and I saw the building at the back," he said. "The main thing about it is the feeling of the place. You can hear the river and it is a really tranquil space."

Mr Glass also plans to incorporate the use of sustainable energy and building practices into his plans. There is potential for him to use Newland Beck to generate hydroelectricity.

He said: "I am really keen to use sustainable building methods. The contract will say I get to use any hydroelectricity I can generate from the stream on the side of the building.

"The river is very slow so I don't know if it would work, but I will be looking into it."