PLANS have been submitted to turn an area of derelict land in Barrow town centre into a Wetherspoons beer garden.

Proposals would see the empty land left by the demolition of the former registry office in Abbey Road into a outdoor space for the Furness Railway Pub.

A new car park behind the beer garden has also been planned.

The space has been empty since the historic former registry office was demolished over fears it could collapse.

The national pub chain has now revealed plans for the beer garden, which include a canopy to cover the drinking area and as many as eight car parking spaces.

The plans have been welcomed by a Barrow councillor, but it is thought the proposal could disturb nearby residents.

A statement making up the plans, which are out for consultation, said: “The proposal is to form a beer garden on the existing vacant land which will include a steel structure canopy along with planted trees.

“The beer garden is situated to the east side of the property on Abbey road in central Barrow.

“The construction of the beer garden will have a boundary wall that will match the appearance of the Victorian brick along with the rest of the area.

“The fence which will represent a more contemporary look that will blend in smoothly along with the Victorian style, giving it a more settled and approaching impression.

“The fence will be in black representing how the formally iron fencing gates of the Victorian period used to be.

“The beer garden has been designed in a grid form which represents the distinct pattern of the streets of central Barrow by maintaining key views of Nan Tait Centre which is a listed building.

“The outdoor space will also be a link between Abbey Road and High Street, two of the most historically known roads.”

Councillor Dave Pidduck, who represents Hindpool ward where the land sits, said: “It’s a residential area and I don’t think the residents who live behind will be over the moon

“I hope people will have the opportunity to see exactly what’s going on.

“If you have outside space where people are going to have drinks and enjoy themself, their enjoyment could impinge on the peace of the residents.

“There may be some resistance.”

But the councillor said there would be a number of benefits to the plan.

“I would much sooner have something there than this than this pile of rubble," he said.

“And there is a plan to develop that part of Dalton Road to have more informal cafes and restaurants and it would fit in with that overall plan.

“We have got to change the high street. It’s changing itself whether we like it or not - the departure of M&S has showed that.”

Councillors granted permission to demolish the building, owned by Jack Cooksey, last year due to safety fears.