Plans for an expanded art gallery in West Cumbria have been approved by the council.

The applicant Craig Hamilton, who owns the Craig Hamilton Art, Tattoo and fine art gallery on High Street, Cleator Moor, had applied for permission for a change of use in order to increase the size of the gallery.

Mr Hamilton, who lives in Workington, submitted his application to Copeland Council on March 31.

The application relates to 74 High Street in Cleator Moor, which is an end of terrace property that is situated within the Cleator Moor Conservation Area.

The building currently has a mixed use comprising both residential and an art gallery and tattoo studio. There is a residential property adjoining it the east with and an access road to the west.

The property was previously a dentist's surgery, before Mr Hamilton bought the premises for a tattoo shop, art gallery and residential use.

There is already one internal wall which is used as a gallery, but exhibition space is needed to increase.

In plans, the applicant stated: "Planning Permission is sought for the change of use of the existing pool and dining room at the front of the building, currently associated with the residential property above, to form an extension to the art gallery."

Copeland Borough Council's planning committee approved the plans stating: "The proposal seeks to change the use of an existing room to expand an independent business in a satisfactory location. Current Local Plan policies and Government guidance encourage the expansion of existing commercial properties.

They confirmed that the development would not infringe on the Conservation Area in which it is located: "The alterations involved to facilitate the conversion and expansion of the business are all internal and therefore will not have any impact on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

"The proposed use is considered to be a compatible use for this part of the town and will not have any significant impacts on residential amenity.

"Overall this proposal is considered to be an acceptable form of development which accords with the guidance set out in the NPPF and the adopted Local Plan."

Readers can view the application at copeland.gov.uk.

Use the reference: 4/21/2145/0F1.