PLANS to convert part of a grade II listed building currently used for flats into office space in south Cumbria have been given the green light.

Westmorland and Furness Council has approved proposals from Holker Estates Limited to transform part of a grade II listed former stables building at Holker Hall.

According to planning documents there are two flats on the first floor, one is currently unoccupied and the other will be vacated shortly. The rest of the first floor is currently office space.

Planning documents state: “The proposal is to relocate and merge the core business operations from the current Holker Estate Company Offices to a newly refurbished Estate Office, located in the first-floor existing office and residential accommodation above the Courtyard Café and ‘A Days Walk’ at Holker Estate.

The development will include space for boardrooms and associated meeting facilities, break out rooms and mixed toilet facilities.

Planning documents say: “The relocation and new development of an open plan Estate Office above the Courtyard Café releases development opportunities to the existing Estate Office.

“It further enables the estate to expand employment opportunities within the business through developing more commercial space.”

The ground floor area of the building consists of ‘The Courtyard Café’ and the farm shop outlet ‘A Days Walk’.

Westmorland and Furness Council approved the application on May 1.