ONE of the great attributes of South Lakeland as a commercial centre is its ability to constantly re-invent itself.

A spirit of entrepreneurship abounds.

The workforce has a proven track record of being both adaptable and flexible.

When added to the natural attractions of the area, this becomes a potent mix for outside developers wanting to expand into the area.

So it is no surprise that two such companies are occupying the time of the district council's planning officers, with ambitious visions for the future.

Kendal's K Village has been one of the most strikingly successful commercial ventures.

Since shopping became one of the nation's favourite pastimes, the factory-style outlet has grown and grown.

Even last year's dip in visitors because of foot-and-mouth failed to stall its progress.

That enormous potential has only been restrained by the limitations of the site, with restricted room for expansion and car parking problems.

The latest plan being enthusiastically pursued seems to sweep away all objections in one stroke.

There will be 42 units instead of 12; and cul-de-sacs nearby will no longer be blighted by streams of pedestrians who have left their vehicles in the overspill car park.

The slightly shabby riverside vista in that part of Kendal will be tidied up and the attractive walkway extended.

There will finally be room for the K Shoes heritage that readers of this newspaper strived so hard to have restored to the town.

And then there are 300 jobs in the offing.

The deal is still to be done; the plan has been hatched by a property group that doesn't even own the outlet.

But all the signs are that, if planning permission is granted, the £35 million scheme will go ahead.

The planners need to remain vigilant.

Residents of Lound Road will be worried about their interrupted view of the river, for instance.

The building itself, part of which is being talked of as mock medieval, does not want to turn into a fortress with fairy lights, as has been allowed to happen elsewhere.

But the scheme has much to commend it and, subject to the detail, is to be welcomed.

It would certainly redress the balance of the town and be a boost to Kirkland after recent growth in the other direction.

Less far forward in the planning process is a leisure complex, rumoured to include a motel and bowling alley, on Kendal Rugby Union Club's site at Mint Bridge.

After 70 years the ground is looking out of kilter with Rugby Union's modern, professional image.

A purpose-built modern ground, in keeping with the club' s aspirations, and financed out of the sale of the present ground, seems a good solution all round, especially if it adds to the attractions of the town.

But where would the rugby club play? Those in the know seem to assume it would be at Carus Green.

But at present this is speculation as plans have yet to be unveiled.