Plans to convert the Old Lyric Hall in Barrow into a 10-bedroom aparthotel have been given the go-ahead.
Westmorland and Furness Council has approved plans from the St David Group to transform the vacant building on Clifford Street.
In September the council approved plans from the developer to convert the building into two Houses of Multiple Occupancy, consisting of a four-bed and a six-bed unit. But the new aparthotel plan will now supersede the HMO’s approval.
A planning statement prepared on behalf of the applicant says: “This transformation of The Old Lyric Hall into an aparthotel represents an exciting opportunity for both revitalising a historic building and contributing to the local economy.
“We believe our proposal is not only well-conceived but also deeply respectful of the building’s heritage, and we look forward to the prospect of bringing this vision to life for the benefit of the community and visitors to Barrow.”
According to the planning statement Old Lyric Hall was most recently used as a community hub for clubs such as karate but has been vacant for a number of years and requires significant remedial work.
The proposed redevelopment will consist of four individual apartments on the ground floor, while the first floor will offer six self-contained apartments. Each of these apartments will feature fully equipped kitchenettes and en suite facilities.
The proposed property will also contain a staff office, a plant room, a meter room and a linen room.
However, the planning application faced objections from residents concerned about the lack of parking provision.
The local highways authority did not object to the application but said the lack of off-street parking would lead to ‘additional demand’ for on-street parking in an area where there was existing pressure on spaces.
Planning officers for Westmorland and Furness Council approved the application on Friday, December 15.
