A CAREFUL renovation of the centuries-old former wool shop on Kendal's cobbled Branthwaite Brow has been planned.

Applicant Mr Hodges is seeking permission to renovate the "rundown" Grade II-listed property, which has stood empty since Branthwaite Wools closed around two years ago.

He is proposing to make the ground-floor retail unit smaller and create a one-bedroom dwelling at the site, which is thought to date back to the late 17th or early 18th century.

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Characterful features at the Grade II-listed property include old reclaimed ship oak beams, lime rendering, a large stone chimney stack and 17th century wooden panelling in the neighbouring Yard 52 alleyway, which leads to the Tailor's Workshop sewing business.

According to planning documents lodged with South Lakeland District Council, 50 Branthwaite Brow has become "rundown" and "in disrepair" while vacant.

The applicant is seeking consent to convert part of the property into a home because of the likelihood of it staying empty if it remained purely as a shop.

Traditional materials would be used to renovate the property sympathetically, such as traditional lime render and "like for like" timber windows and doors.

An "unstable" ceiling above the first floor would also be made secure, state the plans.