Plans to turn an iconic Cockermouth property into seven residential flats has been met with a positive reaction from residents and businesses.

A change of use application has been submitted to transform the upper floors of the ex-HSBC building at 1 Main Street, Cockermouth from financial and professional into seven residential flats, with the ground floor still being used for commercial use.

Plans include altering the upper levels of the building to allow four units - three two-bedroom apartments and a one-bedroom apartment.

A new build extension would be built over the rear car park to enable a further three units - a two-bedroom apartment, a two-bedroom duplex apartment and a three-bedroom duplex apartment.

Responses from businesses and residents are optimistic, seeing the change of use as a sign of the times with the high street battling the internet and online shopping and most saying that they would prefer the building to be used, rather than stand empty.

Andrew Marshall, chairman of Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade, said: "I think every person in town is keen to see something happen soon at the old HSBC bank.

"We were unhappy to see it close, particularly with the loss of jobs and removal of its ATM. I think locals and visitors alike will want its lovely facade and exterior to be preserved. It's a landmark in the town and is part of our heritage.

"If it can't be reopened as business premises, then perhaps apartments could be a compromise."

Deborah Rowe, who works in Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop across the road from the site said: "I think it's a good thing creating homes for people. I'd like to see something happen with the building."

Market Place resident Chris Graham, who let's flats himself, said: "I don't have a problem with the change of use, it's been stood empty for ages. It's good for the town. I'd rather there was someone in it than it stands empty. There is plenty of demand for flats in Cockermouth."

A Cockermouth resident, who did not want to be named, said: "They would be very nice flats I imagine, because it is a beautiful building and it would probably cost a lot to redo it for retail though, it does make sense to be honest. So we can hopefully keep the current facade."

Cockermouth resident Lorraine Taylor said: "So long as it gets used and not empty, I hope they keep the prices reasonable."

Tessa Milner, from Andessa in Main Street said: "The financial situation is changing with people banking online now. I think it's ok if they use the space. Anything that makes Cockermouth vibrant and if it's affordable, it could be attractive to local young people who can afford smaller units, which can't be a bad thing."

Next door neighbour Colin Graham, from Antiques & Collectables would prefer the building to be used for retail. He said: "It would be better as retail, but it's a sign of the times. I would love to see it filled again with retail."

The new build extension will be three-storeys high above the existing car park level and the pedestrian under-passage from Main Street to the back of the car park will be kept but used by building occupiers only.

The existing staircase provides access to the upper levels and is completely independent from the commercial unit at ground floor level, which is retained in the plan.

Mr Bateson, from Rannerflow Ltd of Cambridgeshire, is the applicant and business owner. He was approached for a comment.

Consultation has opened on the application, reference FUL/2019/0183 and people have until September 13 to give their comments to Allerdale council planning department.