PLANS have been put forward to turn a dilapidated Carlisle flat into an interior and antique shop. 

If given the go-ahead, the project aims to revamp a one-bedroom flat at 20 Abbey Street, next to Foxes Cafe Lounge opposite the Salvation Army building.

The street is also home to iconic Carlisle shops such as Chivers Sports.

The change of use application was validated by Cumberland Council on April 23. 

The proposal reads: "The proposed shop is within a building which is situated towards the Castle end of Abbey Street just over halfway down on the left-hand side opposite the Salvation Army building.

"It forms half of the ground floor of 19-22 Abbey Street. It was previously a shop and was one-half of T.P. Bells Cycles.

"I believe the two shops made up Bells Cycles. The other shop is the Mallin Models which appears to be permanently closed. 

"The previous change of use from a shop to residential was in 1995," it reads. 

The seller outlined plans to remove the grills permanently installed on the front window, arguing that it would "greatly improve the streetscape" and boost the appeal of the neighbouring Foxes Coffee shop. 

One employee is proposed with the application. 

Its proposed hours are from 11am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday. 

"There is no proposed layout change other than removing a small modern partition wall which was built so that a kitchen could be added.

"The glass above the front door was broken and replaced with hardboard. The proposal is to use glass again. It will have the number 20 added in gold lettering.

"The proposal will only improve the building as currently very dilapidated, covered in stickers, with ugly grills, a broken door and generally looking shabby and run down.

"It is detrimental to Foxes café and to the street," it reads. 

To view the change of use application, you can use planning reference 24/0229 on Cumberland Council's planning portal.