PLANS to convert an empty restaurant in South Cumbria into hotel rooms in a bid to meet ‘considerable demand’ for additional accommodation in the area have been given the green light.

Westmorland and Furness Council has approved plans from Premier Inn Hotels Ltd to convert the empty Wakefield Arms in Kendal into more hotel rooms and a breakfast room for the Premier Inn on Maude Street.

A report written by council planning officers says: “The proposal is suitably located outside of the primary shopping area, complying with the development strategy for Kendal town centre.

“It will contribute to the vitality and viability of the town by bringing a currently vacant building back into use and expand a well-established hotel. This sustainable development will deliver economic benefits.”

The proposed conversion would add seven more rooms to the hotel, taking the total number to 99.

A cover letter submitted with the application says: “Premier Inn has identified a considerable demand for additional budget hotel accommodation in this location. It is also acting to reconfigure the restaurant proposition to ensure it best fits customers’ needs in select locations.

“This proposal for additional bedrooms and an adjusted restaurant proposition would meet Premier Inn’s operational requirements in the area and help address the demand for bedrooms.”

This planning application was approved on October 1.