Plans go in to convert Morecambe trampolining and stunt school centre into flats

Martin Shenton, the applicant and owner of the building in Regent Road, said that although the various ventures over the last 15 years - which have included a nursery, dance clubs, film studio and trampoline centre - had been well received locally, they were no longer commercially viable.

The application seeks to change the current use of the trampolining and stunt school centre and film studio into nine flats, with alterations to windows and doors and erection of a bin store.

The planning application states: "The applicant has owned this building since 2005 and expended a considerable amount of time and money in looking at ways of providing different commercial activities in the West End of Morecambe.

"The child nursery, dance clubs, trampoline centre and other ventures have been well received by the West End community – and generally well supported.

"Competition from the new Jump Rush venture in the Winter Gardens car park resulted in a significant drop in takings leading to eventual closure.

"Irregular accounting activities at the Child Care centre and resulting legal proceedings have led to closure of this venture in December 2019.

"The building is currently without any business tenants or sources of revenue.

"A complete rethink is required to make better use of the building."

It notes that Mr Shenton has tried his very best to make this building work as a commercial enterprise in the West End of Morecambe.

"Unfortunately, the current climate and impending recession has left him with no choice but to look at an alternative use for this building," it goes on.

"He has expended a considerable amount of money trying to make various ventures work but reluctantly has come to the conclusion that further radical thinking is required to make efficient use of this large building.

"It seems the most appropriate use would be to convert this building for residential use.

"The principle of residential use is already accepted with residential occupancy on Regent Road and Regent Park Avenue.

"The applicant has approached several local estate agents regarding the type of accommodation required in this area.

"They have reported that there is a strong demand for two bedroom units locally.

"The viability of this building to be used as a commercial operation has been tested over a period of 15 years with differing levels of success.

"The applicant has determined that it is neither profitable nor logical to keep this building going in its present format.

"He has concluded that the only way forward to utilise this building would be to convert it for residential purposes."