AN HISTORIC village pub looks set for a new lease of life after plans for its restoration were given the thumbs up.

Part retrospective proposals for the Grade II listed Chamley Arms, in Warcop, Appleby-in -Westmorland, were green-lighted by Eden District Council earlier this month after being submitted in December.

The pub which dates from the late 18th and early 19th centuries has been closed for over eight years.

The developer, according to the council's documentation only gives his name as Mr Evans, with the agent listed as Penrith based Graham K Norman Architects Ltd.

David Keetley, chair of Warcop Parish Council said: "The building has been closed for about eight years and has had various owners.

"There has been work going on at certain times and it looks as though it could be around 50 per cent complete.

"It has been closed for a long time and it is our fervent desire for the pub to reopen as a village facility which would do more than just selling beer but maybe offering coffees, good food, a place to meet - all the things that a pub should do really."

According to the design and access statement the renovations were partly implemented when the hostelry "reopened briefly approximately about eight years ago but has remained closed ever since".

It adds: "The public house will be thoroughly refurbished including complete redecoration throughout, new floor finishes and the installation of a heating system and enhanced thermal insulation to roof voids.

"New openings will be carefully formed by hand avoiding interference with existing beams, ceilings and floors.

"The kitchen will be equipped and fitted to a public catering specification and the proposals will also introduce a new bar fitting with optics.

"The proposed walls of the extension will be finished in matching painted roughcast render and the lean to roof roof will be slated in matching natural slates.

"The beer cellar will have a glass reinforced polyester roof with rolls to resemble a leaded roof.

"All new doors and windows will be in UPVC or timber finished with matching gloss paint finish.

"These proposed works have all been sensitively designed in a vernacular manner in scale and symphony with the character of the listed building and surroundings.

"In conclusion the proposals will revitalize the public house to the benefit of the listing and to the local community at Warcop as a whole.

"In addition, due to the scale and nature of the proposals it is considered that they will not either harm or disturb any of the scheduled heritage assets."

The Cumberland News contacted the agent for a comment from the developer. They were unable to respond by the time of publication.