A clutch of major redevelopments in South Lakeland including state-of-the art retail space in Windermere and two major plans for Backbarrow are set to come before Lake District planners next week, writes Beth Broomby.

Developers Zonex Group Ltd and Rural Business Homes Ltd have drawn up separate schemes for mixed developments either side of the River Leven, at Backbarrow.

Business Homes Ltd plans to restore Backbarrow Iron Works and build new offices, workshops and homes on the west bank of the river.

As previously reported, the company wants to redevelop the historic site in a multi-million pound move. Previous plans for a factory at the ironworks - submitted by a different company - proved controversial among residents.

The Business Homes plan, submitted to the LDNPA last summer, stated the scheme would create employment space for more than 110 jobs; 17,638 sq feet of office and workshop space and 10,703 sq feet of workspace in 19 "live/work" units, with accommodation on the first floor.

The plans also included the restoration of the blast furnace complex and two dwellings, and the conversion of three buildings to houses.

Further up river, Zonex Group Ltd has submitted plans to reuse, convert and extend the former Dolly Blue buildings to create workshops, craft stores, an exhibition centre and garden centre on the river's east bank. The Dolly Blue plan last came before planners in 1994. Full permission was granted but has now expired.

South Lakeland District Council has backed the plan with conditions while parish councillors have raised concerns about traffic flow.

Meanwhile, Lakeland Limited plans to transform industrial buildings in the heart of the Lake District into a flagship store opening the door to around 100 new jobs.

The award-winning home and kitchenware retailer would like to carry out a £5 million redevelopment at its Windermere head office to boost office space, create a purpose-build shop and caf and reduce the visual impact of the building.

The family-owned company began in Windermere 40 years ago and has been going from strength to strength with accounts, customer services, marketing and buying all co-ordinated from the Alexandra Buildings headquarters, next to the train station.

Plans to redevelop the site were first mooted after Lakeland moved its main warehouse to an £8 million building in Kendal on the Westmorland Business Park.

Features incorporated into the plan - which has been broadly backed by trade organisations and local authorities - include a seeded grass-effect roof, glass panelling, water features and glass stairs.

Major changes would include:

l Demolishing the large warehouse, despatch and loading bay area to make way for office, shop and caf - more than twice the original size.

l Lowering the height of the buildings as seen from Thwaites Lane.

l Re-cladding the existing "outdated" buildings.

l New windows, airy ceilings and more natural lighting.

Windermere and Bowness Civic Society and Windermere and Bowness Chamber of Trade have backed the plan.

Lake District National Park Planners are set to discuss all three schemes on January 6.

January 3, 2003 10:00