PLANNING permission for four flats, three cottages for letting and one holiday flat in the centre of Kendal has been granted by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC). 

The applications related to 37-58 Finkle Street on the top floors of the former Beales department store. 

Work has already started but it was halted mid-way through the construction as the initial applications were rejected and new ones had to be resubmitted to SLDC. 

The applications were submitted by Anything Drawn architects on behalf of Geraldine Ward and her partner William Smith, the leaders of the new Spinning Jennies development. 

The Westmorland Gazette: The inside of one of the residences The inside of one of the residences (Image: Newsquest, Daniel Pye)

Geraldine said: "We are delighted to have been granted all three of the planning permissions which went to committee last Thursday (17 March)." 

The first application was change of use of rear of 37-39 Finkle Street to three cottages with a bin/recycling store and bicycle parking. The decision was granted with conditions including use of approved materials and the installation of a bird box. 

READ MORE: Beales store Kendal starts to transform into Spinning Jennies

The second application was a change of use of first and second floors of former retail and retail storage and ancillary accommodation to four flats with bin, recycling store and bicycle park. This was also granted with conditions: to include flush fit conservation style solar panels and roof lights in keeping with the area, and another bird box.

The Westmorland Gazette: The view out of the rear of one of the residences towards the SLDC offices The view out of the rear of one of the residences towards the SLDC offices (Image: Newsquest, Daniel Pye)

The final application was a change of use to 55 Finkle Street on the second floor of the former retail to a holiday accommodation with roof terrace. 

This was approved with the condition that no occupant and no person shall occupy the accommodation for a period exceeding 56 days. 

The Westmorland Gazette: The view from the balcony of one of the residences toward Kendal Castle The view from the balcony of one of the residences toward Kendal Castle (Image: Newsquest, Daniel Pye)

It also said that there will not be any refuse or recycling bins stored externally on Finkle Street or Kent Street except on collections days to maintain the visual amenity and living conditions of the area. 

Other parts of the former Beales store will become the new Spinning Jennies commercial development. 

The outcome of the committee meeting represents one of the last major planning decisions involving the centre of Kendal SLDC will make before it is replaced by the new Westmorland and Furness council on April 1.