Developers behind plans to knock down a derelict Barrow pub and build an apartment block said keeping the original building would be economically unviable.
Westwise Development Ltd has submitted proposals to Westmorland and Furness Council to demolish the former Queens Arms pub on Rawlinson Street and construct a three-storey 21-unit apartment block.
The proposed apartment block would consist of 18 one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom flats.
But the company’s agent, Acer Town Planning, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service preserving the existing building was not a practical option.
A spokesman said: “The applicant bought the property in 2015 with planning permission in place for a residential conversion of the existing pub. Initially, it was hoped that this scheme could go ahead.
“But after extensive consideration, including obtaining reports from quantity surveyors and valuers, it was found that neither this scheme, nor any other scheme to preserve the existing building, was economically viable.
“The basic problem was that the construction costs would exceed the end value of the property, so it was impossible to raise the necessary finance.”
The Queens Arms opened in 1853 and changed many times over the years – becoming a popular live music venue before its closure in 2008.
Objectors to the scheme have also raised concerns regarding a lack of parking in the proposals. One resident said there was no room for on-street parking currently for local people.
According to the developer the proposed scheme contains two dedicated on-street parking spaces and a secure cycle store.
The spokesman for Acer Town Planning said: “The site is in a highly sustainable urban location and there has been no objection by the local highways authority to the level of provision proposed.
“Planning officers have also previously noted that if the property were to re-open as a public house with letting rooms there would also be a parking demand and this, alongside other uses that could take place through permitted development, would be likely to generate more parking demand than the proposed use.”
The new plans said amendments had been made to improve the design and impact on heritage assets.
Changes include private outdoor space for some flats, ‘high quality’ brickwork on Rawlinson Street and the use of local red sandstone on parts of the building.
According to planning documents, the height of the proposed apartment block would be no higher than the existing building.
The planning application is currently undergoing public consultation.
