PLANS to transform a section of a former department store into a flat have been submitted.

The application to create a two-bedroom flat on the second floor of Kendal’s former Beales store, at number 55, Finkle Street, has been submitted to South Lakeland District Council (SLDC).

Documents describe the proposals as follows: “Change of use of second floor to dwelling with roof terrace with glazed balustrade.”

Exciting new plans for the store, which has been empty since March 2020 after Beales went into administration, were revealed in March this year by new owners Geraldine Ward and her partner William Smith.

Read more: Plans revealed for transformation of former department store

And work has already started to convert the building into a space for local independent retailers and a food hall full of Cumbrian-based eateries, an area for creative organisations as well as a number of flats and renovated cottages.

Planning documents further described the proposals and revealed some further plans for other areas of the four-storey unit.

“To refurbish the existing ground and first-floor shop with basement storage,” documents said.

“There is asbestos contamination but minor compared to that in the main adjacent shops. It is imperative that this is removed before re-occupation.

“The outside of the shop will be cleaned and use will be made of the large current glazed curtain walls.

“Internal fittings will be upgraded with an open warehouse feeling to the current concrete and steel floors.

“The existing lavatories on the first floor will be reduced in size for a standalone shop together with provision of a tea and coffee station adjacent. This will give an increased openness of this area of the town.

“The second floor currently unused will be converted into a two bedroomed 750 square foot flat with access to a roof terrace for outside space for the occupants and splendid views over the fells and the castle.

“The section where there are also steps to 43 - 53 Finkle Street will be blocked up on both the ground and first floor.

“The additional stairwell from Kent Street also provides emergency access to all the other floors in the building.”

Number 55 is a four-storey corner building at the eastern end of the store, with trading space on the ground and first floors, with ‘redundant storage/staff rooms on second floor and services within the lower ground/basement’.