Plans to open a sophisticated city-style wine bar in Silloth have been given the green light.

The new drinking spot, in the town's former Natwest bank building, could be open this summer if work to convert the Eden Street site goes to schedule.

The project is being led by engineer Alan Maggs, from Lancashire, who bought the former bank at an auction - despite never setting foot in the town before bidding.

But he's fallen in love with the area and has big plans for the building, which used to be the home of internationally-recognised singer Kathleen Ferrier, who lived in Silloth in the 1930s and whose legacy still remains strong in this part of Cumbria.

Mr Maggs is converting the upper floors of the Grade II listed building into two separate luxury "apart-hotel" rooms that can be hired to tourists and other visitors.

They'll be named "The Ferrier Apartments", while it is believed the bar will be called The Bank.

The ground flood will be turned into the wine bar and could be kitted out in 1920s to 1930s decor, with pictures of Kathleen Ferrier on the walls.

It is hoped the venture will create three full-time jobs plus other part-time roles.

The plans were first raised in September last year and following discussions with Allerdale Council the scheme has been given planning permission.

In a report prepared for Allerdale officials, the authority's planning department wrote: "The proposal would conserve and enhance the building in a manner appropriate to its historic value and significance, providing an appropriate use for this primary frontage within Silloth’s town centre."

It added: "There's been a delay with things like acoustic separation and replacement windows."

Mr Maggs told The Cumberland News: "It's just little minor points which have all added up but now we're good to go.

"We have been down to a similar conversion in Conway, they converted an old bank and I looked at some of their best ideas.

"I just want to make sure it's done right. I would rather do it right than rush it and it be wrong."

Designs for the development have been drawn up by Cumbrian firm The Route Interior Design and the building work will also be carried out by local firms.

"I will be looking for local staff to manage it and be part of it," he added.

"It's all going to be one entity - the bar and the apartments - so it is as commercially viable as possible."

Silloth Town Council has backed the plans and told Allerdale Council it hoped the development would be approved.

So-called aparthotels are an increasingly-popular alternative to conventional hotels.

They can be an attractive option for those seeking more space when staying away from home.

Thousands of people visit Silloth every year for short breaks and to play at the town's renowned golf course.