A controversial beer garden plan could finally get the go ahead - on its third time before planners.

Despite public concerns, Wetherspoons is optimistic its latest plans for the Furness Railway pub, on Abbey Road, Barrow, might this time be approved.

The pub chain wants to convert derelict space beside the building into a car park and beer garden.

A spokesman for Wetherspoons said: “This is the third set of plans, we are putting forward and it will finally see an eyesore transformed.

“This could come just at a time when we need beer gardens for social distancing more than ever now.”

Plans submitted to Barrow Borough Council are for parking for eight cars plus a disabled space, as well as the beer garden.

New artist's impressions of the site, submitted by Just H Architects and published on Barrow Borough Council's website, show how the garden and proposed parking area would look.

The Mail:

The application highlights render on the south western elevation of the pub, with a new side doorway and canopy. The proposals also allow for landscaping of the beer garden.

Residents have launched objections to the extension, saying it could become a magnet for drunken and disorderly behaviour in the town.

A letter, signed by 22 residents, had been submitted to the council. It said: “The grounds for our objection is to oppose the provision of a beer garden, as residents of Coulton Street, will be subject to anti-social behaviour and noise.

“The side of Coulton Street without alley gates will become a magnet for drunken behaviour.”

The highways authority initially raised concerns over refuse collections and visibility for pedestrians, but the latest plans include a bin storage facility and pedestrian footway. It has been re-consulted on the latest plans.

Officers said careful consideration must be given to the design, but accepted the importance of beer gardens in these covid times.

“The impacts of Covid 19 has meant that there is now a greater need for outdoor eating and drinking spaces and such facilities help businesses continue to operate safely whilst meeting social distancing requirements,” the report states.

“There are few other external beer gardens within Barrow and the proposal would provide an additional social and economic function in the current climate.”

They have recommended it for approval, saying: “Whilst there is sympathy with concerns raised about potential noise and disturbance, it is considered these can be mitigated through the revised design, planning conditions and the management regime with any future issues being resolved through the licensing system.

“It is considered the amended proposals now have the potential to enhance the appearance of the area, making a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of nearby listed buildings and as sustainable development approval is recommended.”

No one from the architects was available for comment.