Former station waiting room could become micro pub

The first-class waiting room on platform four was built in the 1880s

A former first-class railway station waiting room claimed to have been used by Queen Victoria could become a bar if plans are approved.

The room at Carlisle's Grade II* listed Citadel Railway Station would become a micro pub, according to a scheme submitted to Cumberland Council.

A planning report said the project submitted by Lancaster Brewery Inns Ltd would "reinvigorate the redundant" area on platform four while maintaining the "character and heritage" of the historical station.

The old waiting room was built as part of an extension to the station in 1880 and was used for many decades, including for a time as a pub. A date for the decision is yet to be announced.

The report said Queen Victoria stopped at the first-class waiting room on a number of occasions, including a recorded visit in 1867, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

It was once connected to the nearby County Hotel by a covered passageway "so passengers could easily get from the hotel to wait for their train" but that has since been removed, the report said.

The project would aim to reinstate the entrance from the hotel side of the building, it added.

The application is being assessed by planning officers at the council.