A MAJOR revamp of an Egremont grot-spot is set for the go-ahead.

A dilapidated building on Market Place - formerly Tommy Kelly's clothes shop - will become two shop units, housing and flats if, as expected, Copeland councillors give it their backing at a meeting next week.

The property has fallen into disrepair having been vacant for many years and was high on the grot-spot hitlist of Copeland mayor Mike Starkie.

The application will see the Main Street premises, which lies in a Conservation Area, converted into two separate ground floor retail units - including new shopfronts - with five flats above. The roof and some existing walls will also be repaired.

Behind the property, land currently occupied by a garage/storage building will be used for three new two-storey houses, and part of the site will be cleared to make way for five parking spaces, plus a communal area for bin storage.

Mr Starkie has previously welcomed the development, adding: "The pursuit of grot-spots has always remained top of my agenda. It's been a long and arduous process but work commencing is a very positive step in the right direction.

"There is a clear determination that dilapidated buildings and grot spots will be pursued and addressed as part of the town centre regeneration programme."

The plans have received no objections from Egremont Town Council, Cumbria County Council's highways department nor Copeland Council's conservation department, however it is suggested that the archaeological significance of the building should be recorded.

In recommending that councillors approve the scheme at Wednesday's meeting, Copeland's planning officials will say: "The plans present a much-needed opportunity for the buildings to be renovated and brought back into viable use, which will serve to enhance the town's Conservation Area."

Meanwhile, councillors will visit the site of 26 new homes proposed for land behind Rusper Drive, Moor Row, ahead of making a decision.