AN APPLICATION for replacement staff accommodation at a Lake District pub has been submitted to the national park authority.

Full planning consent and listed building consent are being sought for the work at the Masons Arms, near Cartmel Fell. 

A design, access and heritage statement submitted on behalf of applicant Frederic Robinsons Brewery says the brewery is struggling to attract staff as the Masons Arms 'is quite isolated'.

"Having staff accommodation on site is essential for the business," says the statement.

The plan is to demolish two buildings and replace them with a single two-storey, three-bedroom prefabricated timber building in the car park of the Grade II-listed pub. 

The design, access and heritage statement says the existing buildings are 'not up to current building regulations standards and require upgrading'. 

"The proposal is to be able to provide three staff with more spacious rooms and a more communal lounge-kitchen area which will allow staff to be more integrated and not feel isolated, to help with wellbeing of staff," says the statement.

"It will allow staff to service the other local pubs in the area including The Wheatsheaf Inn, Brigsteer – recently extended and refurbished."