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.
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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
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