Plans to return one of Penrith’s oldest buildings to commercial use are scheduled to be reviewed by councillors this week after planning officers recommended approval.
Historic building to be reused as pub and hotel
The application, lodged by Two Lions Hotel Limited, seeks listed building consent for the Grade II former Two Lions on Great Dockray. If approved by Westmorland and Furness Council’s Eden Local Area Planning Committee at its meeting on Wednesday, the long‑vacant property would be restored and reopened as a public house with dining and function space on the ground and first floors and hotel letting rooms on the upper floors, with accommodation for a manager.
Revised plans include internal changes and modern facilities intended to make the building viable in commercial use, such as a new accessible toilet, a commercial kitchen, relocation of the main staircase, a new bar area and extensive internal repairs.
Heritage significance and conservation concerns
The Two Lions building, formerly known as New Hall, dates from at least the 15th century and later became a public house in the mid‑19th century. Historic England describes it as a well‑preserved medieval hall house containing exceptionally rare elements including 16th‑century plaster ceilings, painted beams and original medieval features.
Despite officers’ recommendation for approval, the proposal has attracted an objection from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), which remains on the record as opposing aspects of the scheme.
"enliven the area and expand the hospitality possibilities"
When the plans were considered by Penrith Town Council, councillors backed the restoration, saying it would
- bring a derelict historic building back into use;
- create hospitality and event space in the town centre;
- require sensitive internal works to preserve rare historic fabric while allowing commercial use.
At the same time, the town council has made clear it wants a long‑standing public passageway between New Squares and Great Dockray to be retained.
Contested passageway and rights of way
One of the most contentious elements of the scheme is the fate of the historic passage that once provided a shortcut between New Squares and Great Dockray. Under the revised proposals the route would not be retained as a public through route; instead, it would be incorporated into the enlarged ground‑floor trading area of the pub.
Penrith Town Council has formally submitted an application to have the route recorded as a public right of way and has urged that it remain available for public use.
| Item | Proposed change |
|---|---|
| Ground/first floors | Pub, dining and function spaces |
| Upper floors | Hotel letting rooms |
| Accessibility | New accessible toilet |
| Structural works | Relocated staircase; extensive internal repairs |
The Two Lions has stood empty for around two decades. The planning committee’s deliberations will weigh the benefits of bringing the building back into use against the need to protect its rare historic fabric and public access routes. Members are due to consider the application at the Eden Local Area Planning Committee meeting this Wednesday.
