A former antiques centre could be converted into six separate units for flexible use, according to plans submitted to Lancaster City Council.
Permission is sought for the site of the former GB Antiques Centre on Wyresdale Road in Lancaster, that would allow the building to be split into six units to be used for either storage and distribution, or other commercial, business, or service uses.
A statement supporting the application from agent Daniel Brown Profectus Town Planning, says: “This design and access statement seeks ‘full’ planning permission for the following development at the former GB Antiques Centre – conversion of antiques warehouse into six divisible units for flexible-use within Use Class B8 and Use Class E (subject to limitations on Use Classes E(a) and E(b)), demolition of part of the existing building used as an entrance and general office, provision of new parking area, and associated site works.
"These works are limited to minor external changes to the warehouse building itself, 32 additional car parking spaces, and two small storage compounds associated with the existing building.
"It is considered that the existing and new car parking provision will be more than sufficient to accommodate the application proposals without any potential for the displacement of customer parking onto surrounding streets."
GB Antiques operated for almost 35 years and was one of the UK's largest independent indoor antiques and furniture retailers, until it closed its doors in February.
The centre was founded and opened by Allan Blackburn in 1990.
Allan, who died in 2022, was a well-known antiques dealer, broadcaster and writer who appeared regularly on TV and radio, and in newspapers. He named the centre after his wife Gloria.
Son Jimmy and daughter Dawn continued to run the family business, including the wider leisure park, after his death, until the closure.
Read more:
INTERVIEW and PHOTOS: One last look around Lancaster antiques centre before it shuts after 35 years
Family-run Lancaster antiques centre to close after 35 years
Planning documents state: "The purpose of the planning application is to bring the former GB Antiques unit back into beneficial economic use as swiftly as possible through the sub-division and repurposing of the existing floorspace via a change of use.
"Lancaster Leisure Park wishes to continue the site’s long tradition of attracting visitors for leisure purposes and have received various enquiries from indoor sport, recreation and fitness businesses to let floorspace.
"Other uses proposed for the building include storage and a veterinary practice.
“Based on the proportionate Design and Access Statement, the design of the scheme has been fully justified in relation to amount, layout, scale, landscaping, appearance and access.”
Councillors will discuss the planning application in due course.
You can view the planning application on reference number 25/01218/FUL at https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/planning
Owners of Lancaster cocktail bar to take over city centre pub
Lancaster and Morecambe MPs back new government Road Safety Strategy
Landlords’ forum will tackle Renters Rights Act and waste rules
Heysham 2 becomes UK's most productive nuclear power station ever
Lancaster hospital ward to close as health trust faces "significant financial challenge"
Retailer with store in Lancaster set for administration
Household food waste recycling set to return to Lancaster & Morecambe District
Crews called to fire at village hall
LISTEN: How Eden Project's new community garden will bring sunshine to Morecambe
Lancaster hotel to reopen under new name and ownership
Three horses rescued from Lancaster Canal
Heysham murder featured in TV documentary
Car dealership reveals plans for site of former Heysham pub
Record-breaking festive season announced for Grand pantos
Multi-million pound electricity network scheme begins in Bolton-le-Sands
Gritting teams work round the clock to keep Lancashire's roads moving
Morecambe pharmacy closes down
Arrests and police appeal after rise in dangerous use of bikes on Lancaster park
Warning after police order gang of youths out of Morecambe town centre
Lancaster city centre car park closes ahead of "catalyst for the development of the Canal Quarter"
