A Change of Use application was submitted to convert the Corner Shop in Kirkby-in-Furness into a series of apartments.

The comments attached to the planning application show how many people feel about the development: “This is an obvious abuse of planning rules aimed at making money without helping the community.”

“This application for Morland will have further detrimental impact. It is an incompatible scale of development in context of the village.”

“Another suite of holiday lets will exacerbate noise and car parking issues in that part of the village.”

“The village needs a shop, it’s a focal point of our community and a loss of an important asset to Kirkby. “

“It should be carefully considered to make the most benefit to the village and I do not believe this is the plan at all. “

“I strongly object to this application, the plans are too intrusive to the community. “

“At a Kirkby Ireleth parish council meeting, councillors heard representation from concerned residents. Following the debate, the parish council voted to object in full. The application is felt to be overbearing in size and is in no way in keeping with the village setting and surrounds. It serves no purpose in supporting the local village and infrastructure.

The Parish council has received several representations from residents, all of which have serious and justified concerns over this development. “

One villager said: “The village, as a whole, is against This planning application for Moorland Stores and Cottage. I am strongly opposed, along with the other 40 odd people who have responded to the Application, to the plan proposing to change the last shop in Kirkby.

“Who knows what they’re going to do with it, will it be rented out, sold or made into another of dozens of Airbnb’s in the area?

“I suspect the shop proposed in the plans will be made non-viable so there is a reason to get rid of it completely.

“Objections have been registered, because losing the shop affects the whole village, everybody pops in there for the odd pint of milk.

“It seems as if there is no choice whether Kirkby wants the change or not. Many of us have objected and it is to be hoped that the Planning Committee will take due note of the level of protest and objection. You will be able to see my comments on the planning web site along with all the rest, which all object to the proposal. This should give you a measure of the complete lack of support for this plan.

“I see they have already started work on the shop without the permission being approved, they’re making these changes at their own risk.”

The proposal has been called: “Sad,” “ridiculous” and “wrong”.

Another villager said: “If we’re losing the corner shop, it’s something else the rural area has to go without, as well as efficient buses, and the post office.

It will be a blow to older people who can’t drive or are disabled and have to use the public transport, its not easy and you still have to walk home from the station or bus stop.

The corner shop will be sorely missed as a place for people to meet and have a chat.”