Plans for the expansion of a Workington bar have been given the go-ahead.
Allerdale Borough Council has granted permission for the change of use of the currently vacant premises adjacent to 2 Bar, on Market Place in Workington town centre.
The permission will allow for an expansion of 2 Bar, which has opened in the past year.
The adjoining premises have previously been used for office and retail purposes, but Allerdale council has now given the green light to be used for the purposes of a public house.
2 Bar is run by Steve and Angela Bell, who also run popular Workington pub The Well, on Jane Street.
Recommending the plans for approval, Allerdale Borough Council planning officers noted in a report prepared ahead of the final go-ahead being granted that the use of the site in question as a public house would safeguard the building and be a positive contribution to the character of this town centre
conservation area.
“The proposed development will not adversely affect any historic assets or the character and appearance of the conservation area”, planning officers noted, adding that the area is a historic part of Workington.
“It is noted that the external appearance of the buildings will largely be retained. Indeed the design and materials and will ensure the architectural and historical assets of the centre, and their wider settings, are protected and enhanced.
“The proposed public house is considered to be an acceptable town centre use in this town centre location.”
Allerdale Borough Council has required that the bar not be open to customers between the hours of 12am and 9am, Mondays to Sundays, including bank holidays.
“The amenity of other nearby residents can be part secured through the provision of restricting hours of operation of the proposed public house,” planning officers stated.
“It is noted that there are several other public houses nearby and the premises and residential dwellings are close to the existing town centre facilities which include restaurants and public houses.”
Planning officers added that Allerdale’s Local Plan, the strategic document guiding the growth of the borough, encourages “developments which promote diverse and vibrant evening economies” within Allerdale’s town centres, where they are judged to not have a harmful effect on the amenity of residents or the local area.
