PLANS to demolish former stables building in Workington can proceed after Cumberland Council planning officers ruled that prior approval was not required.

The structure is next to Bankfield Cottage in Newlands Lane and the decision was made on Tuesday (September 10).

According to the officer's report the disused building is to the west of Newlands Lane which is less than one mile from Workington town centre.

It states: "The building is adjoined to Bankfield Cottage which currently provides day services for older adults by Cumberland Council.

"Smallworld Pre-School is located 40 metres to the east and Amathea House Care Home is located 15 metres to the north-east."

According to the report the vacant building is two-storey, in a state of disrepair, with evidence of having once been used as stables and tack room on the lower floor.

Plans to demolish former stables building in Workington can proceed after Cumberland Council planning officers ruled that prior approval was not required.Plans to demolish former stables building in Workington can proceed after Cumberland Council planning officers ruled that prior approval was not required. (Image: Cumberland Council Planning Portal)

It adds: "The immediate surrounding landscape comprises of hard standing with an adjoined building used for storage and Bankfield Cottage attached to the other side of this.

"Access to the site is via a single track drive off Newlands Lane. Further landscape consists of open parkland and dense woodland to the north, west and south."

According to the report an assessment has been undertaken of how the demolition work will be undertaken with all materials taken to a storage area within the site and then cleared to a licensed waste disposal site.