PLANS to convert two historic houses into a single dwelling in the Workington area have been granted listed building consent by Cumberland Council.

The application was submitted by R & A Cummings was for High Wadsworth in Branthwaite and, according to the decision notice, permission has been granted subject to conditions.

The report, which was published at the end of last week (June 7), states that the work should begin within three years and the development should be in line with submitted plans.

According to the officer's report the proposal relates to a Grade II listed building and it states: "Wandsworth Farmhouse and High Wandsworth are at present used as two independent dwellings within the village of Branthwaite. The site is located by a single drive serving both properties."

According to the report there have been numerous applications approved for minor internal and external alterations to the properties.

It states: "Listed building consent is sought for the linking of two properties by way of internal works to form a single residential dwelling. Doors would be inserted at both ground and first floor to connect the two dwellings with minor works to the fabric of the building."

According to the report there have been no objections from members of the public and local town and parish councils and Historic England has not made any comment about the proposal.

The site is not within a conservation area, according to the report, which adds that two dates, 1735 and 1794, are inscribed over a rear side entrance of the farmhouse.

It states: "Calciferous sandstone rubble with eaves cornice and flush quoins, under graduated green slate roof with brick and rendered chimney stacks. There are two storeys, four bays with a two-bay span to the rear.

"There is a 20th Century door with a painted stone surround with blocked doorway to left. It has an enlarged ground-floor casement windows partly in original 18th Century stone-mullioned surrounds."

According to the report the application is for internal works only with no alterations to the external fabric of the building.

The report adds: "The proposed location of the new openings have been chosen to utilise what has been assumed to have been original locations interconnecting the two properties.

"Existing modern bathrooms would be removed to allow for the openings to be reinstated and other modern internal partitions and cupboards would be removed and the fabric of the building reinstated.

"Wherever possible if original features are found during the works they will be retained."