A PUB undergoing renovation in Carlisle has finally got planning permission for its adjacent apartment building.

Bosses at the Horse and Farrier, on Wigton Road, had hoped to get the green light for its accommodation block back in November.

Stephen Whitehead from the project said: "We were told we would get planning for the apartment building in November and after losing the will to live, we finally got it last week.

"We have not moved on dramatically in these last three months.

"Due to the delays in planning, we had to put our builders onto other projects however we will now be back on full steam ahead to get things back on track.

"The roof is about three weeks off, the windows arrived last Monday and we can start laying out for the groundworks required."

Mr Whitehead added: "We would like to thank everyone for their patience."

The pub, which in its hey day was a popular spot with a bowling green, had been shut and boarded up until it was snapped up.

The Horse & Farrier has stood empty for 11 years but work began last year to transform it into a gastro pub with rooms.

It is one of the city’s derelict Harry Redfern sites.

Carlisle-born businessman Richard Berry is investing in the region of £1.5m transforming the former Horse & Farrier pub.

The gastro pub will be based on another of his businesses – Romneys in Kendal, one of the most successful food-led pubs in the north west of England.

Plans include an extension to the pub and the conversion of the manager’s flat on the first floor into en-suite bedrooms.

Mr Berry’s group of businesses bought the site – on the corner of Wigton Road and Orton Road – from Tesco. They had owned the site for several years.

The refurbishment will retain the original character of the 1928 grade II-listed building while offering a “modern twist” for families.

Original internal features inside will be retained include some panelling, fireplaces and doors.

It should open later this year when it will be ready to welcome diners and drinkers.