A former primary school that has stood empty since its closure in 2009 could see a new lease of life after plans were submitted.

St Ursula’s School, Wigton is a Grade II listed building and has stood empty since it was closed. It was on the market for a number of years before being bought at auction by Wigton resident, Harry Barrow.

The idea behind the plans that have been submitted to Allerdale Council is to restore the building, turning it into two houses and adding a third one in the grounds of the old school.

Richard Lindsey, architect for Calva Design Studios, explained: “It’s a Grade II listed building.

“It’s been empty since it closed, but the idea is to turn the school into two dwellings and in the grounds create a new dwelling.

“It had been on the market a long time before Mr Barrow bought it at auction. But we hope now to make it fit for purpose.”

The site, which is located on Burnfoot, Wigton, near Lidl has Speet Beck running through the grounds.

However, a flood survey has been undertaken which shows that the site does not flood.

The design statement stated: “All dwellings will have adequate private open space and the overall landscape design will be developed as part of the design process to create a sense of place and integrate existing landscapes and enhance biodiversity.”

An environmental health officer recommended a number of conditions to the plans.

These include, further site investigations on the ground conditions, a full documentation of previous and existing land uses of the site and adjacent land, and a detailed scheme for remedial works and measures to be undertaken to avoid risk from contaminants/or gases when the site is developed.

There were also conditions on noise hours of work if the plans were approved.

The officer stated: “No work relating to the construction of the development hereby approved, including works of demolition or preparation prior to operations, or internal painting or fitting out, shall take place before the hours of 7.30am nor after 6pm Monday to Friday, before the hours of 8am nor after 1pm Saturdays nor on Sundays or recognised public holidays, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

A fire protection officer has also responded to the plans. The response from them was: “Following examination of plans in connection with the above application with regard to access of the site and water supplies, I have to inform you that the Fire Authority has no objections to this application. However, it should be noted that access for firefighting and water supplies must comply with ADB Volume 1, Dwellings, Section B5.”

It can be found at Allerdale Council’s planning portal under reference FUL/2020/0067