A COTTAGE near Dalston, which has fallen into disrepair and is currently uninhabitable, could be demolished and a replacement building put in its place.

The site, which covers a total area of 530.00 square metres, is at Cardew Hall Cottages in Cardew.

A planning report states: "The existing dwelling is classified as a non-designated heritage asset due to its appearance on historical maps."

The report states that it appears on a map dated 1868 and is near a Grade II listed building, Stonethwaite and adjoining former barns and byres.

According to the official listing for the former farmhouse Stonethwaite is dated over entrance 1724 with initials R. & A.N. and the former barns and byres are from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The report states that the development would involve the construction of a single four-bed replacement property and adds: "The existing garage adjoining the property is to be retained if possible, pending structural inspection.

"The replacement dwelling is to be brought forward in line with the adjacent property to allow for better rear garden amenity for the client's young family to grow up.

"The existing cottage is unsuitable for a family dwelling due to structural integrity, ceiling heights, and general layout. The applicants are seeking to erect a family dwelling in a location near to their workplace and school.

"The impact this proposal would have on the listed building is minimal as the existing wall in between the properties will be retained, and the shrubbery and tree cover falls on the land of the adjacent property and conceals most of where the property will be.

"The existing property is a low-grade building that has been sat empty for a couple of years and has fallen into disrepair."

The application is being considered by planning officers at Cumberland Council.