A FORMER town centre builder's yard which has stood empty for several years has now been earmarked for a development of 13 homes.

Martindale's Yard in Kendal, which once housed building company, GF Martindales, has been deemed "unsuitable" for retail use and could be turned into two- and three-bedroomed dwellings by developer, PNR Construction.

"The site has been vacant for a number of years and there has clearly been a lack of interest from retailers," explained a spokesman for DPP Planning, on behalf of the developer.

"The proposed re-use of the buildings for residential purposes is considered an appropriate use in this location and in itself will help to enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre, through increasing the local resident population able to easily access town centre services and shops."

The yard was once a bustling commercial area, off Woolpack Yard and Entry Lane, used by a building contractor, joiner and funeral director, as well as three cottages.

But in 2011 the Gazette reported that long-established firm GF Martindales, which once employed 40 people, had collapsed - and the buildings and site fell into disuse.

The plans, which have been submitted to South Lakeland District Council, will see the cottages restored, while another 10 homes will be added to the site.

The proposals will also involve "small scale demolition", with some of the yard's internal buildings set to be pulled down to create a courtyard.

However, the developer has stated that, as three of the dwellings were already in existence, the threshold for affordable units to be provided "is not reached".

But they say the development will have a "positive impact" on the local economy, as council tax and the new homes bonus will bring in around £195,000 over the first six years, followed by annual council tax payments of around £32,500 after that.