TWO new planning applications have been submitted as part of an ambitious scheme to breathe new life into Kendal’s former Beales department store.

An application for the division of ground-floor retail space into two retail units with a new shop entrance at 37-39 Finkle Street has been submitted to South Lakeland District Council.

Planning documents state: “To refurbish the existing ground floor retail area fronting Finkle Street into two separate retail shops with separate commercial use on the lower ground floor with some specialist storage.

“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 (and upper floors) fronting Finkle Street will be cleaned, and use will be made of the large current glazed display shop windows. A new shop entrance will be introduced to the frontage of 39 Finkle Steet to match existing one in 37 Finkle Street. Internal fittings will be upgraded - open modern retail units with separate WC and tea station facilities commensurate with modern use. The windows to the side in 39 Finkle Street will be brought back into use.”

Read more: Plans revealed for transformation of former department store

Another application has also been submitted for 37-39 Finkle Street for the change of use of the first and second floors into four flats with a bin store and bicycle parking.

According to planning documents the rear of the lower and ground floor will be converted into three separate cottage units with ‘lounge areas having vaulted ceilings on ground floor with bedrooms below on the lower ground floor’.

On the first and second floor five modern flats will be created ‘taking full advantage of the heritage status of the building, reutilising the current sliding sash windows and vaulted ceiling open space on the first and second floors’.

In March, an application to create a two-bedroom flat on the second floor of the store's number 55, Finkle Street, was also 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.£

Read more: Plans submitted to transform section of department store

And another planning application was submitted for number 55 earlier this year for the change of use of a retail unit into a drinking establishment.

Plans would see the retail unit at 55 turned into a licensed premises.

Read more: Plan submitted for 'drinking establishment' at former department store

Plans would see the retail unit at 55 turned into a licensed premises.