Maryport pub the Lifeboat Inn could close over planning row

George Kemp is an Allerdale councillor and owner of the Lifeboat Inn.

He is also a member of Allerdale council's planning committee, the development panel, which enforces planning rules.

A shelter has been erected outside the pub and Mr Kemp said he was assured by the company, Canoppods, that, because there was no foundation and it was no permanent structure, no planning permission was necessary.

Allerdale planning officers have disagreed, however, and have said the structure must come down.

Mr Kemp said he is partially retired and the pub is being run by his wife Andrea and his daughter.

It was Andrea who posted a warning on social media that if the structure went the pub would close.

But yesterday Mr Kemp reiterated that threat.

He said the shelter, 'like hundreds throughout the country' had been put up to allow the pub to operate while sticking closely to Covid regulations.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Maryport's Lifeboat Inn can stay open

"If we remove the structure we close the pub," he said. "I feel we are being picked on. We were closed for only two weeks during lockdown and the rest of the time we did takeout and delivery meals. I feel we did a lot for the town."

He said although the pub was in a conservation area, Allerdale had allowed 'hundreds' of plastic windows to be installed.

"As well as that, they own property across the road from me with boarded-up doors. It looks a lot worse than mine."

That building is the Carlton Cinema, which features in Maryport's ongoing regeneration plans.

Community reaction

It appears that many are siding with Mr Kemp. There have been more than 80 comments on his Facebook page and more than 100 likes. Most of the comments are positive and some have called for a petition to be set up.

Mr Kemp said, Covid apart, the shelter would allow people to sit outside and not be dive-bombed by seagulls hoping to share their meal, which is a common problem.

They would be able to bring their dogs and woud be sheltered from the rain.

Council response

Allerdale council's planning manager Graeme Law said a caseworker spoke to the owners of the Lifeboat and they were given until April 15 to appeal... but no appeal was received.

Mr Law said: “Allerdale council actively encourages the growth and development of businesses in Maryport, but we also have an obligation to conserve and enhance the heritage of the town.

"The Lifeboat Inn is a Grade-II Listed building and the lean-to canopy structure to the front was erected without Listed Building Consent.

"A council case officer contacted the owners prior to the notice being served."

Notice was served yesterday, May 4, he said. "The owners have the opportunity to submit an application for Listed Building Consent.”

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