A former Barrow pub – described as ‘untidy and unkempt’ can be turned into a house of multiple occupancy.
Westmorland and Furness Council has approved plans from South Lakes Investments Ltd to convert the former Dirty Duck pub on Raglan Street into a 12-bedroom facility.
Planning documents said there was a demonstrable need for the housing proposed as over the 2014-2031 plan period there is expected to be a continued increase in jobs per year – and homes are needed to support workers.
The design and access statement said: “Adding one HMO in a predominantly family housing area will not lead to a concentration of HMOs that would demonstrably and adversely impact community and social cohesion.”
Each of the rooms will have an en suite bathroom and the first-floor extension of the property will be knocked down and replaced, according to planning documents.
The design and access statement said: “The extensions to the rear of the property are of a poor standard and it is clear the property has lacked investment in its maintenance for some time.
“The roof needs attention, the render is spalling, and the paint is peeling. It has also been vandalised and is generally untidy and unkempt.”
There will be no car parking spaces provided with the property but planning documents said it was in a sustainable location as the property is accessible to services, facilities and employment opportunities by foot, bicycle and public transport.
The former pub, which was last open in 2019 and dates back to at least 1881, was purchased in an auction for £59,000 in December 2023.
The following day plans initially lodged by Joe Elliot to convert the first floor and the loft space of the former pub into a six-bedroom HMO were dropped.
Mr Elliot had stripped the building down to the brick after he bought it.
Mr Elliot previously said: “I’m moving home which is taking me out of the area, and I’ve got three young kids so I have to put all my money into getting it done as quickly as possible.
“It’s back to brick now and ready to be put back together. For what it’s worth, I hope it gets to stay a pub like I planned.”
Mr Elliot had bought the building at a previous auction held by Pugh in May 2023.
Paul Thompson, managing director at Pugh, previously said: “The Dirty Duck was a well-loved pub and it would be fantastic to see the site become an asset to the local community once more.
“The pub could represent an attractive residential or commercial development opportunity for an investor, subject to gaining the necessary planning consent.
“The property sits right on the edge of the multi-million-pound Barrow Waterside project, which will bring hundreds of much-needed homes to the town, and is one of seven regeneration projects which are transforming the town.”
