AN APPLICATION for listed building consent for repairs and refurbishments at a Kendal art gallery has been approved by the district council's planning committee. 

The work at Abbot Hall is to include external redecoration, new lighting in the galleries and repairs to windows and doors.

Case officer Liz Arnold told councillors at the committee meeting: "Hopefully a relatively straightforward application that will offer some much-needed TLC."

A reopening date of summer 2022 has been earmarked for the Grade I-listed site, which closed in February 2020 and also houses the Lakeland Museum.

In a report produced ahead of the committee meeting, Ms Arnold had recommended the application, submitted by Lakeland Arts, for approval.

The work was described in Ms Arnold’s report as the ‘first phase of possible future developments at the hall’.

Her report outlined in full the proposed alterations.

"There are external joinery repairs to the windows, doors and roof eaves and external redecoration throughout," she said.

"Some essential repointing in lime mortar is proposed, but there are no alterations to the external appearance of the buildings.

"The hall will be redecorated internally but with no colour changes.

"The silk wallpaper in one room which is not part of the original listed fabric will be removed and the original plasterwork revealed.

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"There will be new LED track lighting to replace the existing track lighting in the galleries - reusing the existing fixings - the fire alarm systems will be upgraded, and there will be some new electrical heating, and the IT system will be upgraded.

"The first-floor galleries will have new floor coverings.

"There are proposed alterations to the detached store building, including the demolition of a modern, semi-derelict shed.

"There will be new external signs for the site and the buildings.

"There are also some flood resilience measures, including better removable barriers, improved drainage, and repairs to the walls of Blind Beck."

The application was given unanimous approval by the planning committee, which was meeting at South Lakeland House in Kendal.