A LONG-VACANT building in Barrow is the subject of an application to change its use to two Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

David Clifford Ltd has submitted the application to Westmorland and Furness Council for permission to develop Lyric Hall on Clifford Street into one four-bedroom house and one six-bedroom house.

If successful, the houses would have communal kitchen, dining and utility areas, and a shared rear courtyard, with all ten bedrooms being en-suite.

Communal areas will be maintained and cleaned by property management company Dewisant Lettings and Management Ltd.

The two-storey building was last occupied by a judo studio, from 1970 until 2005, according to the application form.

Prior to that, its use was thought to be industrial, but an application was approved as recently as 2017 for its conversion into five self-contained flats.

The Planning Statement submitted as part of the application refers to this, saying: "The planning history associated with the application site indicates historic local authority support for the change of use of this former commercial building.

"The proposed development subject of this application is deemed once again to meet the tests set out within the Development Plan and secures the re-use of this long-vacant property."

READ MORE: Permission for two seven-bed HMOs sought

On the proposed site’s location, the statement says: "The site is well-located for access to key local services and facilities including shops, eating establishments, health centres, banks, and employment opportunities.

"The development and use proposed is therefore deemed to be compatible with the local area."

Regarding the visual impact of the works, it says: "The proposal has not resulted in any significant physical changes to the external appearance of the site, other than some replacement timber sash windows, other minor window changes, and general enhancement of the existing fabric."

The statement also comments on the 'promoting safe and healthy communities'.

It says: "The proposal will enhance opportunities for social interaction and social integration given the nature of the proposal and the proposed facilities available within the site for communal eating and cooking.

"The development has been shown not to result in harm to neighbouring amenity and will not result in environmental or social harm within the wider local area."