A former bank in Barrow is set to be converted into a new bar – and a multiple occupancy home.
Plans to convert the former NatWest building on Ramsden Square into a ground-floor bar and restaurant with a 15-bedroom house of multiple occupation above have been given the go-ahead.
Westmorland and Furness Council approved the plans from St David Emerald Ltd to convert the grade II listed building.
A heritage statement says: “Overall, the proposal will reverse the decline of the building with a new use.
“It will lead to the repair and refurbishment of decorative detailing, and the adaptations to the interior through sub-division will allow the repair of floors and walls which have been damaged in the past and replace some of the later sub-divisions which are currently in place.”
The proposed 15-bedroom HMO will be separated into three cluster flats with four bedrooms on the first floor, six bedrooms on the second floor and five bedrooms on the third floor.
Each flat will have a kitchen and dining area and all bedrooms are en-suite.
Planning documents state: “The use of the existing building was as a purpose built bank facility, with a banking hall to the ground floor and office space above. The bank has however long since vacated the premises, with the building used for various ad-hoc commercial businesses before finally standing empty.
“The proposal is therefore to bring the building back into use by converting the upper floors to three residential cluster flats, one on each floor. To the ground floor is the original banking hall which remains largely original and the proposal is therefore to leave the ground floor largely unchanged and retain it as commercial use.”
The former NatWest Bank dates back to 1874, opening as the Lancaster Banking Company, although the business had been present in Barrow for ten years before then.
Planning documents added: “The interventions are sensitive to the structure and will help to protect it in the future.”
However Barrow Town Council said it had ‘reasons for concern’ and stated ‘there is limited parking in this area’.
A transport statement submitted with the plans said the site would include five car parking spaces and added: “Notwithstanding the excellent accessibility of the site, there will be some customers and residents who travel by car.
“The sites proximity to the town centre means that there are a multitude of parking options available close by. For prospective residents and staff there are permits available on a monthly or annual basis. There are several car parks within a short walking distance of the site.”
Westmorland and Furness Council approved the application on February 23.
