Community hub and café at Cleator Moor Library, Cleator Moor

What was proposed

The proposal would extend and alter the library to create a community hub and café, improve accessibility and public areas, and relocate sculptures.

“Application Type: Full Planning Application Application Address: Cleator Moor Library, Market Square, Cleator Moor Proposal Extension and alteration of existing building to create a community hub including café, relocation of existing sculptures to rear of building, public realm improvements including restoration of memorial fountain and creation of new landscaped areas, accessibility improvements…”

“Planning Permission is sought for the extension and alteration of the existing building to create a community hub including a café, the relocation of the existing sculptures to the rear of the building, public realm improvements including the restoration of the memorial fountain and the creation of new landscaped areas.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is in Market Square beside council offices, the Civic Hall and a car park, within the conservation area and involving two grade II listed buildings.

“Site Location 1.1 The Cleator Moor Library is located within Market Square in the centre of Cleator Moor. The building is adjoined by Council offices to the west, the Civic Hall to the southwest and a car park to the south. High Street which comprises terraces of shops and commercial premisses is situated to the north. There is an area of public realm to the north and south of the building. The proposal will cover an area of 1002.4 sqm.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier approvals covered recreational facilities, public realm works, access improvements, listed-building works, repairs and window alterations.

“Relevant Planning Application History 2.1 Recreational facilities and war emergency headquarters, approved in March 1989 (application reference 4/89/0069/0 relates); Commemorative plaque, approved in April 1993 (application reference 4/93/0119/0 relates); Environmental enhancement, resurfacing and railings, approved in March 1993 (application reference 4/93/0044/0 relates); Extension to accommodate new entrance for area, office and disabled access lift,…”

“Listed Building Consent for repointing of building with lime mortar, refurbishment of external sandstone, replacement timber windows and new disabled ramp, approved in October 2011 (application reference 4/10/2590/0L1 relates); Listed Building Consent to attach a security light to the premises, approved in August 2017 (application reference 4/17/2219/0L1 relates); Listed Building Consent for the renewal of lime lath and plaster ceilings, replacement windows,…”

Officer report

Public views

Seven properties received neighbour notification, alongside site and press notices, but no responses were received.

“Public Representations The application has been advertised by way of neighbour notification letters to 7 no. properties, a site notice and a press notice. No responses have been received as part of these advertisements.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Officer submitted the report, and slides and an explanation of the site and proposals were provided to members.

The committee vote

A member moved to accept the officer recommendation, the motion was seconded, and nine members voted in favour with none against or abstaining.

“Following consideration of the application a Member moved to accept the Officer’s recommendation. This was seconded and a vote was taken.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions, with delegated authority to amend the conditions given to the Service Manager for Development and Implementation.

“RESOLVED – That the application be approved subject to the conditions set out below with delegated authority given to the Service Manager for Development and Implementation to add and/or make any amendments to the conditions as considered appropriate.”

Minutes

Conditions of approval

Approval included time limits, compliance with approved plans, a construction traffic plan, external lighting approval and completed surface-water drainage.

“Proposed Site Plan, scale 1:200, drawing number 6046 02 PIA, received 8th October 2025; Proposed Lower Ground Floor Plan, scale 1:100, drawing number 6046 13 P2, received 5th February 2026; Proposed Ground Floor Plan, scale 1:100, drawing number 6046 14 PIA, received 8th October 2025; Proposed Upper Ground Floor Plan, scale 1:100, drawing number 6046 15 P1, received 8th October 2025; Proposed Roof Plan, scale 1:100, drawing number 6046 08 P2, received 5th February 2026;…”

“Development must not commence until a Construction Traffic Management Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The CTMP must include details of • Pre-construction road condition established by a detailed survey for accommodation works within the highways boundary conducted with a Highway Authority representative; with all post repairs carried out to the satisfaction of the Local Highway Authority at the applicants expense; •…”

Minutes