A FORMER garage and workshop could be transformed into a new conference facility in Egremont if the plans are approved by Cumberland Council.

The planning application is for the former Brick House Bakery, to the rear of an address in Market Place, and the proposal is for the demolition and replacement of an existing single-storey extension.

According to the planning application the development would involve minor external alterations to the rear elevation to enlarge a window and door opening.

In a planning statement a spokesman for the applicant said that the former bakery was known as Murphys and more recently the building was used as a workshop and outbuilding by the previous occupants.

The report states: “The owners are looking to provide a small conference facility that can be used by local businesses and people to host events.

“There is no service like this in the town and the owners believe this will be popular for training events, conferences, small parties and local meetings.

“The facility can also help to encourage local small businesses to host their own events/a working facility for use such as art and craft classes to fitness classes.

“They will also be opening it up to local charities to use and also hold events to raise money for the legendary Egremont crab fair, which the staff and owner are on the crab fair committee for and already host events for raising capital for the charity and also for the Egremont Rugby girls under 14 teams.

“The proposed use will be an asset to the town, community and encourage more footfall to the town.”

According to the report the conversion of the building will be bring a derelict building in the heart of the town centre back to use, encourage footfall into the town centre and provide a facility that gives something different to the local area.

And, according to a heritage statement, the proposed development looks to retain an existing building but demolish and rebuild a small element of the building.

It states: “The proposed works will bring the building back into a viable use. The location of the building means that it is hidden from public view and has no tangible impact on people’s perception of the conservation area.

“However, the positive impact it has is that it provides a viable use for the building, reveals a part of the conservation that was previously hidden and brings into full use a burgage plot.

“Burgage plots are seldom seen as they are they are often hidden by terraced buildings at the front.”

The planning application is currently being considered by planning officers at the council.