Gates removal at Grade II listed shipyard approved

The gates are of "no real heritage value", according to Historic England

Permission has been granted to replace gates at a Grade II listed historic shipyard entrance after reassurance they are not the originals.

Defence company BAE Systems sought permission for the change at Kings Gate at the shipyard on Michaelson Road in Barrow, Cumbria.

Historic England (HE) said the current gates had "no real heritage value" and raised no objection to their removal.

The original gates had previously been moved to nearby public parkland, the heritage body said.

Planning documents say the new gates and fencing will be made by BAE apprentices to match the originals.

HE said: "The current gates are no real heritage value and their replacement would not cause harm to the significance of the listed building."

'Most advanced submarines'

The new gates are part of major plans for the Project Spartan research facility on the site of former industrial storage.

Planning documents said it would be the "leading" research and design building in the wider BAE Systems complex.

"Project Spartan will support the design, build, test, and commission of the most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy," they said.

Westmorland and Furness Council granted listed building consent for the gate replacement last week, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The full planning application for Project Spartan is now subject to public consultation.