A former community pub in Barrow looks set to be transformed into a 12-bedroom shared house.

A consultation has now begun to seek opinions about the plans for the three-story former Brewery Inn building on Cavendish.

A planning application has been submitted by property developers St David Group to Westmorland and Furness Council.

The pub opened in 2005 and was a small family-run business. Management often ran the popular Brewery Football Syndicate for its members.

Planning statements submitted as part of the application said marketing of the pub began in June 2022 as either a pub or an investment opportunity.

Of the ten inquiries all wanted to change it into accommodation, said the plans.

The landlord reduced opening hours to three days a week due to running costs before it shut for good in the autumn of 2022 as it was not 'commercially viable'.

The new proposal state that the ground floor is planned to have five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms along with a communal kitchen, dining/ lounge and utility space. 

The first floor would see a further five bedrooms, also with en-suites, and the same communal areas as the floor below. Two more bedrooms, also with en-suites, are planned for the top floor. 

In the basement, cage storage would be installed for residents along with the small yard at the back becoming an outdoor amenity space with bins and 12 cycle racks.

The appearance of the building will largely stay the same apart from some replaced windows and a new rear gate for tenants. 

Developers believe the residency is well-placed in the town centre and close to good transport links and services. There are also nearby shops, restaurants, health centres and places of worship along with ample employment opportunities.

The application also addresses the government's objective of boosting the supply of homes as it sees the move as a more effective use for the building providing accommodation for local residents and professional visitors to Barrow. 

The proposal is hoped to encourage social integration too due to the communal eating and cooking element at the site. 

Planning permission was granted in the past for residential use and the new project is not believed to have a detrimental impact on the character of the street with the aim being to enhance it, said developers.

To view the planning application, visit the council website under application number B20/2023/0365.