Pub giant Wetherspoon could invest half a million pounds in a new beer garden.

The chain’s bosses have applied to Copeland Council for planning permission for a 3,000 square foot garden at The Bransty Arch pub on Bransty Row, Whitehaven.

If the proposal is given the green light, 10 jobs could be created in the “very popular” pub.

The news has been welcomed by Stephen Walker, vice chair at West Cumbria Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), who said pubs across the country are closing at an alarming rate.

“Any investment into West Cumbrian pubs is very welcome as it keeps them going,” he said. “We are still losing pubs on a monthly basis so any way we can keep them alive is a good thing.

“You can’t beat going to the pub to drink real ale with friends and it’s great to see pubs being invested in, so I’m pleased to hear their plans.”

Whitehaven mayor Graham Roberts said he would be supportive of the scheme if it is going to be a “good thing” for the town.

The applications states the national chain would develop an existing derelict site to form a beer garden, with associated works, on the site at 5 Bransty Row.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The Bransty Arch is a very popular pub in Whitehaven and we are always keen to offer our customers the best pub possible.

“We would like to develop a 3,000 square foot beer garden at the pub. The proposed development cost is £500,000

“It is likely that 10 new jobs will be created at the pub if the work takes place. We are still looking to finalise the details of the land deal.

“We will await the outcome of the planning decision.”

In September 2016, the pub chain scrapped plans for a rooftop beer garden in Whitehaven.

Speaking at the time, a spokesperson said the firm planned to withdraw its planning application – including a new customer staircase and disabled lift – and may pursue plans for a ground floor beer garden adjacent to the pub instead.

The £1.3m Bransty Arch opened its doors in 2003 and is named after one of the town’s best known landmarks.