Plans resubmitted to turn former church into off-license

The new application was put forward on May 5, and follows a previous application withdrawn in February 2026.

A previous application submitted in November 2025, received an objection from Frizington and Arlecdon Parish Council which expressed several concerns.

Their objection read: "We are concerned the placement of this site would cause an increase in antisocial behaviour, especially given the car wash next door is dark and empty at night and would be a good area to loiter.

"There is no parking at the site, so this will cause trouble in an area that is already experiencing parking issues.

They added: "It also creates competition to the two existing shops which already sell the same items; it is the view of the parish council that Frizington does not need another off licence.

"Lastly, the quarry junction is already a bottlenecked area and adding another reason to stop here could be potentially dangerous, as well as the danger to pedestrians, it is an area that also has problems with speeding."

Cumberland Council's Local Highway Authority also said of the November 2025 plan that they would welcome a "detailed plan showing two car parking spaces, one disabled car parking place, and two bicycle spaces."

The new planning statement written by the applicant's agent responded to these concerns and requests.

With regards to anti-social behaviour, the new planning statement read:

"It is difficult to comment on this aspect, as any anti-social behaviour would take place outside the new shop.

"It would be controlled if it was within the shop premises or the site boundaries.

"Security lights could light the adjoining land where car parking bays are planned, and we consider that the applicants cannot be held responsible for any anti-social behaviour outside their boundaries."

The new plans also see four parking bays, plus one disabled parking bay, planned on land adjacent to the store owned by the applicant.

Access would be from Frizington Road across an existing access with dropped kerbs and they say "adequate turning space is provided to enable vehicles to move from the site on to the highway easily and safely."

They added that although another convenience store already serves Frizington High Street, "the proposed store would serve the southern side of the town."

The applicant, Mr Miran Qaderi was also said in the statement to consider that "competition in the retail sector is healthy" and a new shop would offer customers "good value for products at the right price."

It added: "Frizington used to have more retail outlets but many have now closed.

"Convenience stores offer a seven day week with opening hours longer than supermarkets and are a popular form of retail outlets."

As to noise control, the application states that "any noise from the new shop unit would be from compressors" and the agent writes that "sound panels can be introduced around the compressors to reduce noise.

"The units would also be sited on the side wall facing the car wash facility away from neighbouring residential properties."

The planning statement adds that all deliveries would be via the rear access door and yard, with vehicles entering the area via the car wash land.

It is said that "no delivery vehicle would need to park on Frizington Road, causing an obstruction."

Mr Qaderi's planning statement concludes that if permission is granted for the project, the new shop would be "to the benefit of the community as a whole."

The application states that the building was last in use in 2021.

Cumberland Council are yet to make a decision on the proposals.