Plans to turn Carlisle station waiting room into bar approved

An unused waiting room at Carlisle station is set to become a bar after refurbishment plans were approved by Cumberland Council.

The proposal sought permission to refurbish the disused waiting area and adjacent spaces, formerly a kitchen, into a commercial venue featuring a bar and additional seating area.

Planning approval was granted this month with the decision notice outlining several planning conditions. A related report mentions: "The platform four first class waiting room has remained largely in use since it opened in 1880, albeit with a number of changes in how it is operated.

It adds: "The most recent operation was as a public house, which unfortunately closed due to its poor commercial offering.

"Some original doors remain, whilst others have been replaced or removed entirely. The space is generally in good condition, although there are a number of weathered spots and cracks in original elements such as the fire places, timber planks of the roof and lower panelling that would need minor repairs.

"The flooring throughout is generally in poor condition, with removal of floor finishes recommended to assess the condition of floor joists. This would also allow the original floorboards to be exposed to assess any repairs required.

"Roofs appear to be in good condition and windows are in fair condition, with some limited repairs to cracked glass required.

"Internally walls are assumed to be the original lime plaster with low level timber panelling. There are some signs of blown plaster due to either condensation from poor air circulation or moisture due to the lack of waterproofing on certain walls.

"Modern fixed furniture and mechanical and electrical installation would require removal, but this is not expected to affect the original fabric of the building significantly, but some repair work is likely to be required to make good."