Historic Barrow pub at centre of legal row as owner launches appeal

Barrow's Queens Arms, which dates back to 1853, has lain empty since it closed in 2009.

The building's owner, who hopes to turn it into housing, was served a legal notice earlier this year requiring him to carry out work to stop the Rawlinson Street pub having an adverse impact on the area.

Owners Westwise Developments Limited has appealed the notice, which required work to be carried within three months.

According to court records, the company has put forward several reasons it sees as grounds for appealing the notice.

That includes that 'the requirements of the Notice exceed what is necessary for preventing the condition of the land from adversely affecting the amenity of any part of the area' and that three months 'falls short of the time reasonably required' to complete the works ordered.

Following the appeal, a three-hour hearing is due to be held at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court on September 30 to determine the validity of the notice.

The owner of the building has put forward plans to demolish it and turn it into 21 one-bedroom apartments.

Plans for the 40 square-metre apartments have been submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council.

The pub sits next to the St George's Square conservation area, which includes listed former workers' cottages in Salthouse Road and St George's Church.

A statement submitted with the plans said: "In this instance, the public house use of the building ceased more than 15 years ago and it has not been possible to find an alternative viable use.

"During this period, the structural condition of the building has deteriorated beyond repair and as such its demolition and rebuilding with new will enhance the setting of the adjacent Conservation Area."

Plans say the new building would be in keeping with the area's 'historic context' and not have an adverse impact on neighbours.

The proposals have been out for public consultation ahead of being decided on by council planners.