PLANS to convert the first and second floors of Halls Pet Shop, Stricklandgate, Kendal, and develop land at the back to create six dwellings were recommended for approval by town councillors this week - provided noise insulation measures were taken.

Coun Graham Vincent expressed his surprise that planning committee members had supported the plan because the site was part of a proposed new pub development, so it seemed inappropriate for housing.

He was also concerned about lack of car parking in the area.

Planning committee chairman Coun Paul Braithwaite said the shop would remain.

He said the site went back a long way, to the Christian Science church on Sandes Avenue.

Car parking spaces did not have to be provided for homes on brownfield sites in towns, and the development had not looked too cramped, so members had supported it, he added.

He said members were keen to see noise insulation measures because a pub was going to be created next door.