PLANS to convert the Old Lyric Hall in Barrow into a 10-bedroom ‘aparthotel’ have been given the green light.

Westmorland and Furness Council has approved plans from the St David Group to transform the vacant building on Clifford Street into a 10-bedroom hotel.

In September the council approved plans from the developer to convert the building into two Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO’s) consisting of a four-bed and a six-bed unit.

But the new aparthotel plan will now supersede the HMO’s approval.

A planning statement prepared on behalf of the applicant says: “This transformation of The Old Lyric Hall into an aparthotel represents an exciting opportunity for both revitalizing a historic building and contributing to the local economy.

“We believe our proposal is not only well-conceived but also deeply respectful of the building’s heritage, and we look forward to the prospect of bringing this vision to life for the benefit of the community and visitors to Barrow in Furness.”

According to the planning statement Old Lyric Hall was most recently used as a community hub for clubs such as karate but has been vacant for a number of years and requires significant remedial works.

The proposed redevelopment will consist of four individual apartments on the ground floor, while the first floor will offer six self-contained apartments. Each of these apartments will feature fully equipped kitchenette’s and en-suite facilities.

The proposed property will also contain a staff office, a plant room, a meter room and a linen room.

The planning statement adds: “The layout and scale of the proposed aparthotel have been thoughtfully considered to maximize functionality while preserving the building’s external aesthetics. The integration of self-contained apartments with modern amenities, as well as ancillary facilities, ensures a comfortable and convenient experience for future guests.

“Our commitment to preserving the building’s character extends to the restoration of the roof, external walls, windows, and doors, all designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing architecture. The landscaping of the courtyard complements the building’s charm, creating an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment.”

However, the planning application has faced objections from residents concerned about the lack of parking provision and one comment states ‘there is not enough parking places for residents at the moment’.

The Local Highways Authority did not object to the application but said the lack of off-street parking will lead to ‘additional demand’ for on-street parking in an area where there is ‘existing pressure’ on spaces.

Planning documents say the predicted level of demand for parking would have an ‘imperceptible’ effect on parking for local residents.

The planning statement adds: “The site is well served by public transport, with bus stops located within walking distance of the site on Duke Street and Ramsden Square.”

Planning officers for Westmorland and Furness Council approved the application on Friday (December 15).