An application for permission to refurbish a former pub in Barrow and convert a flat above into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) has been withdrawn after the property was purchased.

Plans previously lodged with Westmorland and Furness Council by applicant Joe Elliot to convert the first floor and the loft space of the former Dirty Duck pub on Raglan Street into a six-bedroom HMO have been dropped.

The former pub, which was last open in 2019 and dates back to at least 1881, was purchased in an auction for £59,000 on Thursday (December 7).

The property was described on Auction House as a former public house with accommodation above, stripped back and ready for renovation/development. The current layout comprises, ground floor bar with seating areas and toilets. The first floor has lounge, kitchen, three bedrooms and bathroom.

Joe Elliot, the owner of Furness Tiles, stripped the building down to the brick after he bought it last summer.

Mr Elliot previously said: “I’m moving home which is taking me out of the area, and I’ve got three young kids so I have to put all my money into getting it done as quickly as possible.

“It’s back to brick now and ready to be put back together. For what it’s worth, I hope it gets to stay a pub like I planned.”

Mr Elliot bought the building at a previous auction held by Pugh.

Paul Thompson, managing director at Pugh, said at the time: "The Dirty Duck was a well-loved pub and it would be fantastic to see the site become an asset to the local community once more.

"The pub could represent an attractive residential or commercial development opportunity for an investor, subject to gaining the necessary planning consent.

"The property sits right on the edge of the multi-million-pound Barrow Waterside project, which will bring hundreds of much-needed homes to the town, and is one of seven regeneration projects which are transforming the town.

"Not only is the Dirty Duck an excellent development opportunity, but this is also a great time to invest in Barrow."

The plans were withdrawn on Friday (December 8).