PLANS to refurbish a grade-II listed pub of ‘local significance’ in the Lake District which dates back to the 17th century have been given the green light.

The Lake District National Park Authority has approved proposals from Inn The Lakes LLP to renovate the Kings Arms in Hawkshead and reopen it as a pub with eight bedrooms.

The applicants bought the pub in 2022 and propose to repair, refurbish and improve the entire building as well as carry out internal alterations to create a bar and dining area, with the necessary services at ground floor.

Planning documents show the proposed renovation will have eight bedrooms on the first floor and the applicant intends on building an extension at the back of the building to provide one bedroom. It is proposed that one of the bedrooms may be used for staff accommodation.

The design and access statement says: “The Kings Arms is a statutorily protected building and of local significance. The building has seen substantial changes and additions over the 18th  and 19th century’s.”

According to planning documents the building saw ‘significant modernisation’ in the 20th century but ‘some important historic fabric’ is still visible.

The statement adds: “Works are now required to refurbish, repair and remove damaging interventions and details in order to conserve the property, as well as make it fit for purpose and occupation for the future.”

The applicant also proposes on carrying out improvements to the building’s insulation, heating and wiring as well as replacing the existing stone wall with a slate wall.

Planning documents state: “The repairs outlined above will help to keep the building fabric in good order. There will be some loss of historic fabric but the benefit of maintaining the building and keeping the roof weather tight outweighs any perceived harm.”

The application was approved on January 26