PLANS are still in motion to give a former Carlisle pub a new lease of life as it continues to be earmarked for the development of flats.

The former Railway Inn, on London Road, was sold to an undisclosed buyer last year after the property was listed by Charles Louis Commercial Agents Ltd.

It is understood that plans will be going ahead for the conversion of the former hotel and residential accommodation that has been vacant for more than 16 years.

The former pub was built in 1837, and is a Grade-II listed building.

Planning approval had been previously given for the alterations back in 2021 at a Carlisle City Council development control committee meeting.

According to the planning application submitted to Carlisle City Council in 2020, existing and original features of the building are set to be "retained where possible". The city council's planning department concluded that the design of the proposed development is appropriate for the listed building.

The application put forward the proposal for the creation of seven flats alongside associated parking.

Plans have been proposed in the past for the redevelopment of the former Railway Inn, but did not result in works being carried out.

Planning permission was given in 2007 for the creation of four flats in the building, and again in 2011. However, these proposals did not materialise.