PLANS to replace a long-established Kendal lawnmower business and the dilapidated house next-door with eight new flats have been lodged with South Lakeland District Council.

The properties at 9 and 10 Aynam Road would be demolished using a 20-ton excavator, according to plans submitted by Aynam Tower Developments, of Kendal.

A neighbour has written a letter of support saying the two-bedroom apartments "look very tasteful" and will supply "much-needed" homes for several families.

The Gazette understands Lakeland Lawnmowers will relocate in town if the plans get the go-ahead. The house next-door was built some time between 1898 and 1914 with a photographer's studio featuring an expanse of windows to let in the north light.

The dwelling has been empty since 2002 and structural engineers have reported cracks and a leaky roof. They say it needs "extensive underpinning" and have questioned whether repairs would make financial sense.

Close to the River Kent, Aynam Road flooded badly in December 2015. The new plans feature a flood-resilient undercroft with 10 parking spaces and bin storage on the ground floor. The car park could be allowed to flood, with the flats located on the first and second floors. There would be a dedicated staircase for residents to evacuate to higher ground behind the flats, if need be.