THE demolition of an old pub with plans to turn it into housing is being recommended for approval despite neighbours' concerns. 

The planning application was submitted to South Lakeland District Council last year and it proposes a housing development at the site of The Lancastrian in Ulverston. 

Applicant, David Wood, of West Lakes Construction Ltd, is seeking planning permission to demolish the Mountbarrow Road pub, and replace it with eight houses. 

The planning committee will meet at South Lakeland House in Kendal on Thursday January 28 and decided whether or not to approve the application. 

A planning officer has recommended the committee grant planning permission. 

The pub was owned by Enterprise Inns and was on the market last year for £250,000. 

The pub, which has been closed since January last year, was being sold as a building and not a business because the application says that, in its present condition, it is no longer viable as a business.

However, a a number of letters against the development have been sent in to SLCD.

Roger Parkinson, from Sir John Barrow Way, felt that with the right owners it could be "the hub of the community."

Lesley Godwin from Birchwood Drive was also sad to see the proposal and said: "It should be modernised and made into a family restaurant with children's facilities, like a play area."