PROPOSALS from BAE Systems to replace an historic gate in Barrow as part of major plans have been given the go-ahead.

Westmorland and Furness Council has granted listed building consent to BAE for the removal of the current grade II listed Kings Gate and the installation of a replacement on Michaelson Road.

Planning documents submitted on behalf of the company state the existing gates will be re-made along with new fencing to match the historic features of the original gates.

In response to the plans Historic England commented: “The proposals seek to replace the current gates which are not the original gates mentioned in the listing. The current gates are no real heritage value and their replacement would not cause harm to the significance of the listed building.”

The original gates were removed to the public parkland on the site of old North West Shop and are still there presently, said Historic England.

The re-making of the gates are likely to be carried out by apprentices, said the plans.

In April the defence giant submitted proposals to Westmorland and Furness Council for the construction of a building known as ‘Project Spartan’ on the site of the former industrial storage building known as B36.

Planning documents say the proposed Project Spartan building will be the ‘leading’ research and design building in the wider BAE Systems complex.

The planning statement says: “At its base, Project Spartan will support the design, build, test, and commission of the most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.

“The research and development conducted in Project Spartan could potentially result in new BAES projects and consequently in the creation of training and employment opportunities for local residents and greater investment into the area.”

Planning documents say Project Spartan will consolidate around 750 BAE employees working in various buildings across Barrow into one building and provide crew accommodation for personnel who currently reside in temporary accommodation.

The council granted listed building consent on June 13. The full planning application for Project Spartan is currently pending.