CHANGES will be made to a Post Office, accommodating a self-contained flat and new facilities for the shop.

Planning permission has been submitted to Copeland Borough Council for internal alterations to St Bees Post Office in Main Street.

The applicant, Mrs C Bewley, plans to create a one-bedroom flat which will be used for holiday lets, taking advantage of the area’s tourism appeal.

Changes will provide an outdoor amenity area at the back of the new garden space.

Although the existing shop space will be smaller, it will make better use of the shop area and provide a new staff toilet by the new stock room.

An existing flat on the first floor will have access to its own private garden.

In their planning statement, the applicant said: “Landscaping is part of the proposal by creating new private garden amenity space for both the existing and proposed flats.

“This will enhance both flats and allow residents to enjoy the garden areas. Hard landscaping areas may be introduced around barbecue locations. Access to both gardens is only available from the existing building via rear doors at ground level.

“The landscaping will be maintained by the applicant.”

The shop will maintain its existing access and the new flat will be fully accessible for occupants with disabilities.

Mrs Bewley believes the layout would be an improvement.

“The proposals are all on the ground floor making more efficient use of the space available.

“Access is off the Main Street, in to a common lobby which serves both the new ground floor flat and the existing first-floor flat.”

A new two metre high timber fence will separate the two gardens and the external rear elevation will have new window and door openings. No other external changes have been proposed.

The public can view and comment on all applications submitted to the borough council for approval.

Comments of support or objection will be taken into account when the planning panel decide whether or not to give plans the greenlight.