Plans to knock down an “eyesore” group of buildings and replace them with houses have been withdrawn.

The owners of the site, known as Graham’s Garage in Prospect, near Aspatria, wanted to convert the current commercial units into a 20-home plot.

But they’ve now withdrawn their application to Allerdale council’s planning department, which was submitted in February. 

It is not known why the plans have been withdrawn but the agents acting on behalf of the owners said the application would reappear.

In a statement to the council, RLP Planning wrote: “We will re-apply, under the ‘free go’ provisions, with more information on the viability issue, in terms of both the current situation and the long-term prospects for employment on this site.”

In the initial application the group of buildings had been described as an “eyesore” and that many of the businesses there were only on short-term leases, claims which were refuted by some occupants.

The commercial units have been on the site since 1938 with a showroom being built in the 1970s. During the 1950s and 1960s there was also a petrol station.

The application attracted some concerns from local residents, but had support from Oughterside and Allerby parish council.