Plans for pub to become 14-bedroom house

The Dirty Duck has fallen into disrepair

An unkempt pub could become a 14-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Covered in graffiti and left in an "untidy" state, Barrow's historic Dirty Duck was sold at auction for £59,000 in December.

A planning application has now been submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council, asking for permission to convert the formerly popular pub.

The applicant - South Lakes Investments Ltd - says more homes are needed to support workers moving to the area.

Family area

Opened in the 1800s, The Dirty Duck stopped trading as a pub in 2019.

The Raglan Street hostelry was once a well-loved and established part of the community, but has fallen into disrepair.

If permission is granted for the conversion, 14 en-suite bedrooms will be created on the site, while the existing first-floor extension of the property will be demolished and replaced, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A design and access statement submitted to the council highlights vandalism and says the property is generally untidy and unkempt, suggesting it has "lacked investment in its maintenance for some time".

Developers say the property, when transformed, could meet a "demonstrable need" for more housing in the area, saying an increase in jobs is expected locally.

They believe the addition of a HMO in what is a "predominantly family housing area" will not lead to a concentration of similar developments that could adversely impact "community and social cohesion".

Regeneration

Prior to December's sale, The Dirty Duck was auctioned just months previously by auctioneers Pugh.

Then, managing director Paul Thompson said it could be an attractive residential or commercial development opportunity, given its close proximity to the multi million-pound Barrow Waterside project.

A public consultation into the current plans will end on March 11.