Egremont pub could become community health hub

An Egremont pub and restaurant may soon be transformed into a community health and wellbeing hub if plans submitted to Cumberland Council are approved.

The Cat Inn on Main Street is the site under proposal, aiming to refurbish its exterior and implement new features such as a ground floor front window replacement and patio doors at the rear.

Additionally, plans include the creation of an external garden with a ‘new boundary treatment’ for the premises.

The application comes from The Lounge Health Hub and specifies that the site covers an area of 290 square metres.

“The proposed use will provide wellbeing and social prescribing services, subsidised wellbeing treatments, support activities, training and education, including a small beauty and wellbeing academy and programmes for young people and adults. The premises will include treatment rooms, a lounge area and facilities for wellbeing activities.”

Existing behind the building, the former pub beer garden, which has been largely unused and overgrown, is proposed to become a private wellbeing garden.

This space will be landscaped and improved to offer relaxation, therapeutic activities, and quiet use for clients.

Although the internal alterations are described as minor, improvements are necessary for the new use and enhanced access to the rear garden.

“No significant changes to the scale or structure of the existing building are proposed. Works already commenced on the property are limited to internal stripping out, removal of redundant fixtures and fittings, and necessary electrical replacement and improvement works. These works are preparatory in nature and are not the commencement of the proposed change of use.”

The premises have reportedly been vacant for over a year, with its last known use serving as a restaurant.

While the site hasn't operated as a public house for approximately eight years, its future proposes an active facility for both adults and young people.

A planning statement highlights the proposal's goal of bringing the premises back into beneficial use, offering community services and educational opportunities, with limited alteration to the structure.

“The proposed use is considered appropriate to the existing premises and surrounding area.”

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