PLANS have been put forward to turn a 19th Century home built by James Cropper into an archive centre to celebrate the craft of paper-making.

The Paper Foundation has applied to change the use of the home, Ellergreen in Burneside, from two flats into a library and archive centre.

A proposal has been submitted to South Lakeland District Council.

A statement making up the plans said: " The Paper Foundation is focused on rescuing and preserving the craft of papermaking by hand, recognised as a critically endangered by the Heritage Crafts Association.

"It has also been established to preserve and celebrate other paper related crafts, including paper conservation.

"Many are struggling owing to falling public budgets and the decline of education.

"The foundation hopes to stem this decline.

"A library and archive are critical to this endeavour, conserving the records and objects that comprise the physical heritage of paper making in the United Kingdom."

Plans will face consultation.