Former Kangol factory in Cleator to become offices

The Kangol factory in Cleator closed in 2009 after 71 years of making hats

Plans have been approved to turn part of a former Kangol hat factory into offices.

The factory in Cleator, Cumbria, closed in 2009 with the loss of 32 jobs after 71 years of making hats.

Copeland Borough Council has now approved North Associates' plans to turn some of the site into three office buildings.

Another part of the same site already has planning permission for 79 houses.

Geoff Garrity, Copeland's portfolio holder for community planning, said: "It will be good to see this site, which was once a hive of activity, in use again.

"The buildings had started to become dilapidated so I will be keen to see a sympathetic development take place there once more."

A spokesperson for North Associates said: "This building has been commonly recognised as an eyesore.

"The regeneration of this site will help Cleator take advantage of the expanding opportunities associated with the nuclear industry in West Cumbria."