Six holiday letting units at 2-6 Pier Lane, Arnside, Carnforth

What was proposed

The application sought to convert existing commercial buildings into six self-contained holiday units, with replacement window and door openings and a bin store.

“Planning Application Reference No. 2025/2426/FPA Proposal: Conversion of the existing buildings to create six holiday high-quality, self- contained, letting units, involving a change of use from Use Class E (Commercial, Business and Service) to Use Class C1 (Hotels and Short- Term Serviced Accommodation).”

“Full planning permission is sought for the conversion of the existing buildings to create six holiday high-quality, self-contained, letting units, involving a change of use from Use Class E (Commercial, Business and Service) to Use Class C1 (Hotels and Short-Term Serviced Accommodation). Externally, the only alterations proposed are the replacement of existing window/ door openings. A bin store is shown on the plans at street level, accessed directly from Pier Lane.”

Officer report

The site

The vacant commercial building fronts a pedestrian walkway in Arnside town centre and lies within the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape.

“The application site comprises of an existing building made up of a range of commercial units, which are currently vacant. The units have been previously utilised for a mix of commercial uses; most recently retail and an art gallery. The building is located fronting Pier Lane; a pedestrian walkway linking the Promenade to Church Hill, in the centre of Arnside.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included an approved ironing and laundry use and two pre-application responses concerning residential or holiday accommodation conversion.

“SITE PLANNING HISTORY Application Ref: SL/2007/1219 Proposal: CHANGE OF USE TO IRONING AND DOMESTIC LAUNDRY SERVICE Decision: Approved with Conditions Decision Date: 11/12/2007”

“Application Ref: 2024/0037/PRE Proposal: Conversion of commercial property to residential dwellings Decision: Pre-Application Response Decision Date: 06/03/2024”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would reuse a vacant building in a suitable, accessible location without significant landscape, amenity or highway harm.

“SUMMARY 1.1 This application seeks full planning permission to convert the existing building from commercial use (Use Class E) into six self-contained holiday letting units (Use Class C1). The site is located in the centre of the Local Service Centre of Arnside where the proposed use is appropriate. The conversion would bring a vacant building back into use, whilst having limited impact visually or on the amenity of neighbouring properties.”

“The proposal is recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council and National Landscape raised parking and access concerns, while the Highway Authority raised no highway safety objection.

“Arnside Parish Council raised concerns to the application on 28 January 2026 based on the lack of vehicular access and parking afforded to the units, and the impact that would have on highway safety/ amenity of neighbours. There was also concern raised over the perceived lack of bin storage facilities. The Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape submitted a response which raised concerns over the lack of parking and vehicular access to the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicants spoke in support, saying they were from Arnside, the building had been unused, the proposal would support local businesses and its exterior would not change.

Committee discussion

Concerns were raised about parking issues in Arnside before members considered a motion to approve the recommendation.

“Concerns were raised regarding the parking issues in Arnside.”

“A motion to approve the recommendation set out in the report, approval subject to conditions, was moved by Councillor Filmore and seconded by Councillor Boak and…”

Minutes