PLANS to demolish a former courthouse and replace it with dozens of retirement flats have landed on planners' desks.

The old South Cumbria Magistrates' Court has been sitting empty on Burneside Road, Kendal, since June 2017.

The Ministry of Justice closed the doors after naming the court as one of 91 "under-used and dilapidated court buildings" costing the taxpayer £500m per year.

Now, developer Churchill Retirement Living says it has exchanged contracts on the site for an undisclosed sum.

The New Forest-based company told the Gazette it had submitted plans to knock down the court and build "64 attractive, high-quality, one and two-bedroom apartments specially designed for the over 60s".

Plans are now with South Lakeland District Council.

Kendal's courthouse shut almost 25 years to the day since HRH The Princess Royal opened the £2 million building.

The Westmorland Gazette launched a campaign in 2015 to save it - Keep Justice Local - backed by local solicitors who voiced fury at the decision. Most cases are now heard at Barrow.

The site is close to Wainwright Court, McCarthy and Stone's retirement apartments on the site of the old Webbs Garden Centre.

Stuart Goodwill, managing director of Churchill's in-house planning consultancy, said: "There is a compelling overall housing need in Kendal, especially for older people."

He added: "By meeting this rising demand, we can allow older people to downsize and free up under-occupied houses in the local area for families."

The development would offer a lodge manager, 24-hour care line, owners’ lounge and guest suite, in landscaped grounds.

An event was held in Kendal earlier this year to give townsfolk chance to see the designs.

In a statement, Churchill Retirement Living told the Gazette: "Following consultation with members of the local community, the design of the attractive new development has been carefully produced to ensure it will make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area, relating sensitively to the adjacent buildings."

The company has more than 160 developments across the country.