Plans to turn former pub into flats

Plans have been submitted to turn the former Queen's Arms into flats

Plans have been lodged to knock down a 1850s pub and build an apartment block in its place.

Westwise Development Ltd wants to demolish the former Queen's Arms pub in Barrow, Cumbria, and build a three-storey 21-unit block.

Proposals were withdrawn in October 2023 after a report by planning officers to the Barrow-in-Furness local area planning committee said they were of a "generally uninspiring and bland design".

A design and access statement submitted with the new planning application said amendments had been made to improve the design and impact on heritage assets.

Changes include private outdoor space for some flats, "high quality" brickwork and the use of local red sandstone on parts of the building, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

According to planning documents, the apartment block on Rawlinson Street would consist of 18 one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom flats.

The site will be car-free, apart from two electric vehicle charging points.

The Queens Arms opened in 1853 and changed many times over the years – becoming a popular live music venue before its closure in 2008.

Documents said the building had a "negative impact on the street scene".

"Despite efforts to secure the property, there have been ongoing problems with vandalism and theft of building materials and the structural condition of the building has now deteriorated beyond economic repair."