A LONG-RUNNING Cumbrian town planning battle has been sent to the top tier of Government.

Lowther Used Furniture in Brampton was denied planning permission by Carlisle City Council in November to operate in its current Craw Hall premises, formerly a gym.

Now the disputed planning application is to be ruled on by the office of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

After weighing up the submitted written evidence, the Whitehall department will make a final ruling.

Evidence previously submitted as part of the decision process can be modified or withdrawn by writing to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol by May 13, quoting the following planning reference: APP/E0915/W/19/3220146.

Three copies of any representations made as part of the appeal should be submitted.

Further information on taking part in planning appeals can be found by visiting the following web address: www.gov.uk/appeal-planning-inspectorate.

The final decision will be published on the gov.uk website.

The appeal was lodged after a rejection by city council’s development control committee for planning permission to continue operations on the current premises.