PFK has submitted a listed building consent application to Westmorland and Furness Council to enable the business to carry out internal alterations and refurbishment works at its prominent Devonshire Chambers property, along with with plans to enable the expansion of a local bookshop and bring a vacant town centre unit back into active use on Little Dockray.
The plans by PFK will enable Hedgehog Bookshop, which currently occupies 19 Little Dockray, to expand into the adjoining and currently unoccupied shop unit at No 25. The proposed works include the removal of dividing walls at both ground and first floor levels, creating a significantly larger retail space that would allow the bookshop to increase its stock, host events, and improve the overall customer experience.
The expanded unit would provide additional flexibility for the business, helping to accommodate a wider range of titles and services, while supporting its long-term presence in the town. The bookshop, which has become a valued part of the local independent retail offering, is expected to benefit from the improved layout and visibility afforded by the additional floorspace.
The application has been submitted by PFK, which owns Devonshire Chambers and the adjacent properties. As part of the same proposal, PFK is seeking consent to remove internal walls within its ground floor estate agency office on Devonshire Street. These changes are intended to enhance the functionality of the space and modernise the working environment for staff and clients.
In addition to the internal alterations, PFK plan external improvements to the historic Devonshire street building including cleaning the stonework of the façade and repainting the window frames in white gloss, helping to preserve and refresh the appearance of the prominent town centre Grade II listed property, which dates back to the early 19th century.
Access arrangements to the all the town centre units will remain unchanged, with entrances on both Devonshire Street and Little Dockray retained with no external structural changes proposed in the plans beyond the cleaning and decorative work.
Supporting documents submitted with the application, including a Heritage Statement and Design and Access Statement, highlight the sensitive approach being taken to preserve the architectural significance of the listed buildings. The scheme has been designed in accordance with local conservation policies and aims to contribute positively to the town centre’s heritage and commercial vitality.
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