By Andrew Clarke

Last updated at 09:07, Thursday, 22 July 2010

A CLEATOR Moor eyesore looks set for a major facelift in a scheme that will create six new jobs.

planning proposal: The old Methodist Church

Copeland Council planners yesterday (Wednesday) granted outline permission for the conversion of the derelict Methodist Church on Ennerdale Road into a new 45-room residential care home providing sheltered accommodation and on-site parking.

The home, when it is built, will provide jobs for six full-time and four part-time staff.

Councillor John Park said: "There is no sadder site than a church in this state of disrepair. If this can be made into a useful building again then we have to support it."

Planners are equally positive about the scheme, saying it would not only enhance the site but provide additional care home/sheltered accommodation in the area.

Councillors were told the old church stood on waste ground and was in a poor state, having been vacant for a number of years.

"Redevelopment will improve the appearance of this part of the town due to the current poor state of the site and former church building to the benefit of local residents," councillors were told.

Although outline permission has been granted, a formal application for the care home will need to go before councillors at a future date.

First published at 15:39, Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk