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Search the Public Notice PortalDevelopers behind the conversion of a former Morecambe guesthouse into holiday apartments have submitted revised plans after building works did not match what had originally been approved.
An application has been lodged with Lancaster City Council to amend earlier permission for 5-7 Skipton Street, a three-storey property within the town’s conservation area.
The building, which dates back to the late 19th century, was previously used as offices but secured permission in June 2024 to be turned into seven short-term holiday apartments.
That scheme included the addition of new dormer extensions, along with replacement windows and doors.
However, according to documents submitted with the latest application, construction has already begun on site and changes were made during the build.
The new proposal, submitted by Skipton Street Luxury Apartments Ltd, seeks to "regularise" the development after the dormers were built differently to those originally approved.
Planning papers show the dormers were constructed around 395mm taller than permitted — increasing from 1.5 metres to approximately 1.9 metres — and have been altered in shape from horizontal to vertical openings.
Developers say the alterations were required following structural concerns identified during construction.
A structural engineer’s letter explains that variations were made to the way the dormer walls are supported, shifting the load-bearing arrangement due to concerns about the quality of the existing masonry.
As well as changes to the design, the applicant is asking the council to vary planning conditions attached to the original approval.
One condition required detailed designs for windows and dormers to be agreed before work started, but the developer says this can no longer be complied with because construction is already underway.
Instead, the application seeks approval for those details retrospectively as part of the current submission.
The building is located within the Morecambe Conservation Area, although it is not listed.
Supporting heritage reports argue that the alterations would not harm the character of the area, describing the property as having “low significance” on its own and contributing mainly as part of a wider terrace of former guesthouses.
Consultants also point out that uPVC windows are already used in the vast majority of buildings on Skipton Street.
In relation to the enlarged dormers, the applicant says the changes are modest and would have minimal visual impact, particularly as they are mainly visible from the rear of the building.
Planning documents state the revised scheme "would not appear excessive" or harm the overall appearance of the conservation area.
When the original plans were approved in 2024, council planners concluded the development would preserve the character of the conservation area and would not harm neighbouring amenity.
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The conversion is part of a wider trend in Morecambe of repurposing former guesthouses and commercial premises into short-term visitor accommodation.
Lancaster City Council will now assess whether to approve the retrospective changes and variations to conditions.
If approved, the revised plans would effectively regularise the development as it has been built.
The application is currently open for consultation, with a decision expected in due course.
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