PLANS are ongoing to convert a listed building into a Peace and Reconciliation.

Planning permission and listed building consent has previously been granted to launch the project at Rose Castle in Dalston.

Works to change the listed building into the Peace and Reconciliation commended in Autumn 2019 but unforeseen issues were uncovered and approval is now sought for additional works.

Carlisle City Council has received an application for planning permission to install a Lighting Protection System.

Lighting Protection Services, were commissioned to carry out a survey of the building, and make a proposal.

Their initial testing of the existing system installed to Strickland Tower found that the system did not meet current standards.

In their heritage statement, the applicant - Rose Castle Company Limited said: “Rather than remove and replace the existing system they came up with an option of improving the earthing system which would enable the majority of the installation to remain un-affected.

“With regards to the remainder of the building, LPS proposed a discrete system be installed at roof level, with a series of earth tapes linked to copper earthing rods in the ground.”

“As part of the design development and in-line with good practice it was decided to include a Lightning Protection installation, to protect the Grade I Listed Building.

The work was not included as part of the original application but the clients insurance company had stipulated that they would not offer insurance cover unless a lightning protection system was installed.

Further discussions have been held with Carlisle City Council who confirmed that a separate LBC Application would be required for these works.

In their statement, the applicant said that Rose Castle has been the seat of the Bishop of Carlisle for over 800 years.

The Church Commissioners sold the castle and grounds to the applicant in July 2016. RCC purchased the castle to make it available for the Rose Castle Foundation’s peace and reconciliation works.

The foundation operates on a not for profit basis and all of their surplus funds is paid back into the up-keep of the castle and its grounds.

The public can view and comment on all planning applications submitted to Carlisle City Council for approval, comments of support or objection will be included in the panel’s decision.