We are delighted to confirm that full planning permission has been granted for the comprehensive refurbishment and conversion of 60–64 High Street, Starbeck.
Occupying a prominent corner position on the High Street, this fire-damaged former McColl’s building has stood vacant since 2017. The approved scheme secures its long-term future through a heritage-led approach that retains and restores the existing structure while introducing nine new residential apartments within the upper floors and roof space. The ground floor commercial unit will be reinstated under Class E use, reactivating this key frontage and supporting the vitality of the local centre.
Although outside the Conservation Area, the building was recognised by the Local Planning Authority as a non-designated heritage asset due to its historic contribution to Starbeck’s commercial development.
The scheme carefully balances necessary intervention with conservation principles, resulting in what officers described as “less than substantial harm”, clearly outweighed by the significant public benefits of bringing a long-vacant and locally valued building back into productive use.
Importantly, the approval also contributes to much-needed housing delivery within the district, where a shortfall in five-year supply has been identified. By reducing a previously consented 12-unit studio scheme to nine high-quality apartments, the proposal enhances residential quality while improving the building’s long-term viability.
This consent marks a major milestone in the regeneration of a highly visible High Street site. We now look forward to seeing this landmark building restored and returned to active use, reinforcing the character and resilience of the Starbeck community.
