A NEGLECTED building on the proposed site of a large-scale development in Kendal should be saved at all costs, says a civic society spokesperson.

Thought to date back to the late 17th century, the stone building sits at the rear of Woolpack Yard in the middle of a site that development firm The Eric Wright Partnership is hoping to transform into a new retail venture with a 50 bedroom hotel and car park, reports Caroline Beamish.

While plans for the £10 million development have not yet been submitted to South Lakeland District Council, their approval would mean the demolition of the seven floor building, which appears on Hogarth's Map of 1853.

Patricia Hovey, secretary of Kendal Civic Society, said the building was one of the town's hidden jewels and an important link to the past.

It was, she claimsed, worthy of an appearance on the television programme Restoration.

"Obviously the development plans are in the very early stages and we have only just begun to research the building ourselves but already we feel it is quite incredible," said Mrs Hovey.

"It is still accessible, with usable floors, stairs and features such as an old iron range and fireplaces in the bedrooms so we have a wonderful opportunity to save it.

"It would be such a shame to lose this last link with old Kendal."

The building features several traditional arched long lights although at least two more have been bricked up.

Mrs Hovey added: "It's not in as bad a condition as other buildings in the town that have been saved and converted. But once it's gone, it's too late to bring it back."

Civic society members are to formally discuss the matter at their next meeting, which will be attended by development architect Tony Hills.

But Mr Hills, who worked on the recent transformation of Wainwright's Yard, said the building was not worthy of restoration.

"It isn't intended that we save it as it has been altered greatly from its original form.

"We believe it would have been three quite nice artisan cottages when it was built but it has been opened up, changed and is very run down.

"Much of the original stone work on one side has been removed, windows have been bricked up and there is a lot of steel holding it up.

"It's important we record it well, but it is typical of many buildings that already exist in Kendal."

Jim Carter, a director of The Eric Wright Partnership, said the challenge was to achieve a compromise to the situation.

"We want to reflect the features of the old building within the new scheme so the feel of the traditional yard structure remains.

"It is always difficult to thread a new development within an old town centre it is a problem being faced by towns across the country.

"But the planning procedures in place are very strict and we hope a compromise can be achieved to suit all sides."

Local historian and Kendal Civic Society member Arthur Nichols is currently researching the use of the building.

He said: "The building isn't unique but it was certainly not just any old workman's cottages the quality is really very good and I've not come across a building that has so many features still in it.

"There's certainly a case for restoring it. Perhaps there is some way the plans for the new development could incorporate both the new and the old."