HOUSEBUILDING firm Persimmon is to move out of Kendal after outgrowing its premises.

Its offices at Helme Bank have been put up for sale, and the firm intends to move to a purpose-built home in Lancaster in September.

The move comes despite bosses at the firm, which bought the Merewood Group, stating in 2003 that they hoped to accommodate their operation in Kendal.

Managing director of Persimmon Homes Lancashire Mark Cook said that since July 2003, staff numbers at the Kendal office had grown by 11 to 41, and therefore the relocation of the head office was a "natural progression".

Mr Cook said: "We have worked extremely hard to ensure the relocation to Lancaster Business Park accommodates the needs of our highly-valued team alongside those of an expanding business.

"All of our employees are excited about the ongoing success of Persimmon Homes Lancashire and the move will not bear any effect upon their positions.

"The relocation comes as a direct result of the growth of our business and increased number of new sites we now have across Cumbria and Lancashire."

The new offices would have more than twice the floor area of Helme Bank, he added.

Mr Cook said that had similar premises been available in Kendal at the time, the firm would have considered them.

He said: "Many of our staff are indeed local to the new premises but our commitment to Kendal in terms of local labour and sub-contractors will remain unchanged."