By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 09:06, Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Plans have been lodged for a second beer garden in Carlisle by pub chain JD Wetherspoon.

The company wants to take over the former Platform 1 nightclub, at the back of the William Rufus pub on Botchergate, and turn it into an outside space.

The building, which has been standing empty since 1993, was recently purchased from Carlisle businessman Ged Crooks. There is already a beer garden behind the neighbouring Woodrow Wilson pub.

Mr Crooks had originally intended to turn Platform 1 into a beer garden for his Pancho’s restaurant, which also backs onto the Colliers Lane site. He was given permission for that, and to knock down the listed building, in April this year.

A spokesman for William Rufus said they hoped to regenerate the area and “tidy it up”.

It is understood that because the pub already has a drinks licence it would not need to apply for a new one. Plans were lodged with the council last week and now will go out to consultation. The previous planning application by Mr Crooks attracted an objection from the nearby Hallmark Hotel with the owners fearing noise would cause “considerable inconvenience and disruption” to guests. A number of bedrooms overlook the area.

The beer garden would be surrounded by a 2.4 metre wall with decorative metal gates and a wooden pergola in the centre.

“It is essential to create an outdoor area which looks attractive all year for the use and enjoyment of all customers,” a report by Wetherspoon’s agents said. “The current building is in such a poor condition that it is having a negative impact on the street scene and is detracting from the overall conservation area.”

First published at 09:04, Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk