Former Barrow charity shop could become six-bedroom HMO
Plans have been submitted to convert the upper floors of a former charity shop in Barrow into a six bedroom house in multiple occupation.
The application relates to 210 Dalton Road. Which was previously used by Animal Welfare Furness as a charity retail shop.
Under the proposals, the ground-floor shop would remain in commercial use. The first and second floors would be converted into a small HMO containing six bedrooms and a shared kitchen.
Applicant Rupinder Sahota submitted the plans to Westmorland and Furness Council on May 22, 2026.
A public consultation opened on June 16th and is due to run until July 7th.
Six en-suite bedrooms proposed
The first floor would contain three bedrooms and a shared kitchen for residents.
A further three bedrooms would be created on the second floor, bringing the total number of rooms to six. Each bedroom would have its own en-suite bathroom.
Planning documents state that the layout has been designed to create “six high-quality and spacious en-suite bedrooms” for the local rental market.
The upper floors were previously used by Animal Welfare Furness for storage rather than as living accommodation.
The charity moved its retail shop from 210 Dalton Road to new premises at 122 Dalton Road in November 2025.
Ground floor shop would remain
The plans would not remove the commercial unit from the ground floor.
The property currently contains a glazed shop front and sales area, alongside storage space, toilets and a staircase providing access to the upper floors and basement.
Part of the ground floor would be changed to create access for people living in the proposed HMO. The remainder would continue to be available for use as a shop.
Storage space lost through the conversion of the upper floors would be replaced by converting part of the basement for commercial storage.
A separate area of the basement would be provided for residents of the HMO.
Cycle storage included in plans
The basement proposals include space for six bicycles using a vertical cycle rack system.
This would allow each resident to store a bicycle within the building rather than on Dalton Road.
No external changes are proposed as part of the development.
All work would take place inside the property, meaning the existing shop front and general appearance of the building would remain unchanged.
The plans would mainly involve changing the internal layout and changing the approved use of the upper floors from commercial space to residential accommodation.
Council to consider application
Westmorland Council will now assess the proposal before deciding whether planning permission should be granted.
The authority will consider issues such as the quality of the accommodation, access, cycle storage, the effect on neighbouring properties and whether the commercial use of the ground floor can continue.
Members of the public can submit comments during the consultation period, which closes on July 7.
The submission of the application does not mean the development has been approved.
A final decision will be made after the council has reviewed the planning documents, consultation responses and any comments from relevant departments or organisations.
