Plans for the expansion of a Workington bar have been given the go-ahead.

Allerdale Borough Council has granted permission for the change of use of the currently empty building next to 2 Bar, on Market Place in Workington town centre.

The permission will allow for an expansion of 2 Bar, which opened in the past year.

The adjoining premises have previously been used for office and retail purposes, but Allerdale Council has now given the green light to be used for the purposes of a public house.

2 Bar is run by Steve and Angela Bell, who also run popular Workington pub The Well, on Jane Street.

Recommending the plans for approval, Allerdale Borough Council planning officers noted in a report, prepared ahead of the final go-ahead being granted, that the use of the site in question as a public house would “safeguard the building and be a positive contribution to the character of this town centre conservation area.

“The proposed development will not adversely affect any historic assets or the character and appearance of the conservation area,” planning officers noted, adding that the area was an historic part of the town.

They continued: "It is noted that the external appearance of the buildings will largely be retained. Indeed the design and materials and will ensure the architectural and historical assets of the centre, and their wider settings, are protected and enhanced.

“The proposed public house is considered to be an acceptable town centre use in this town centre location.”

Allerdale Borough Council has required that the bar does not open to customers between the hours of 12am and 9am, Mondays to Sundays, including bank holidays.

“The amenity of other nearby residents can be part secured through the provision of restricting hours of operation of the proposed public house,” planning officers stated.

Planning officers added that Allerdale’s Local Plan, the strategic document guiding the growth of the borough, encouraged “developments which promote diverse and vibrant evening economies” within Allerdale’s town centres, where they are judged to not have a harmful effect on the amenity of residents.