A former primary school that has stood empty since its closure in 2009 will now see a new lease of life after plans have been approved.

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 were 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.

The layout uses the existing footprint of the former school and will demolish the south-west wing, erecting a new dwelling on this site.

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.

“We hope to restore the site. 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.

Although, the environment agency were satisfied “ the development would be safe without exacerbating flood risk elsewhere if the proposed flood risk mitigation measures are implemented.”

Another application which was submitted for listed building consent for the conversion of the former school into the three dwellings has also been approved.

The design and access statement states: “The building is Grade II listed, with many fine features, and it is intended to retain all existing features, both externally and internally.

“The scale of the new dwelling, although smaller in height, reflects the proportions of the existing building which is retained.”

The development has been approved by the council and must start within three years.