A FORMER city centre clothing store will be transformed into a Betfred - after Carlisle City Council approved a major betting company's plans to move premises.

Done Brothers (Cash Betting) Ltd, who own betting chain Betfred, have submitted a full planning application for the proposed change of use of 70-72 English Street, Carlisle, from E(a) Use Class to a betting shop (sui generis use class).

Betfred already operate a betting shop on English Street, just a short distance from the proposed change-of-use unit.

They wish to relocate their premises to the former 'Simply Yours' unit on the street. The shop was closed in May 2020.

The fashion retailer initially closed the store as the country went into lockdown in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic; however posters later appeared on the Yours shop, stating the store would close.

A letter from Carigiet Cowan said that over the last 20 months of marketing the property, during Covid-19 to now, there has been little interest from prospective tenants, with only a few viewings taking place.

A design and access statement said: "The impact of Covid-19 on the retail market together with the general change in shopping habits has inevitably led to the increased number of voids in and around Carlisle."

READ MORE: Fears as yet another well known retailer announces it's shutting its Carlisle store

The application for the change-of-use said that the granting of the application would 'support economic growth' in the city centre through bringing the vacant unit back into use, as well as retaining staff employment.

A design and access statement said: "Relocation of Betfred’s business within the city centre will retain a local business, retain staff employment and bring a long-term vacant unit back into use on English Street which supports economic growth principles supported in national and local planning policy."

Done Brothers Ltd. also believe the positioning of the new unit will contribute to supporting footfall in the city and the economy outside of its traditional retail hours.

A statement said: "The proposal provides an opportunity for linked trips to the city centre and general footfall as well as contributing to supporting the centre’s later afternoon / evening economy when traditional retail shops are open 9-5pm."

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