HOPES of letting out a Grade ll-listed greengrocers shop to a bookmakers or building society have been thwarted by planners.

South Lakeland District Council's planning committee heard that J.E.F.

Properties was buying 11 and 11a Market Street, Ulverston - currently Benn's greengrocers - and wanted to let out the shop to a bookmaker or building society.

Such a change of use requires planning permission.

In a report, planners heard it was understood the listed shop had been on the market for some time, and the current tenants would be leaving shortly.

Planning officers were concerned that letting the shop become a bookmakers or building society would result in 'dead frontage' which would detract from the 'vitality' of the shopping area.

Development control manager Peter Ridgway said: "I don't believe this is a site we should be easily losing to retail."

Planners refused the application because of lack of information on how the shop had been marketed.