CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a visitor’s centre on the site of a former Royal Navy Arms Depot have been approved, with a caveat.

The proposal has been submitted by Derwent Forest Development Consortium for the brownfield site in Great Broughton.

As well as a former operational base for the navy, Derwent Forest is steeped in mining history.

The consortium hope to build on the site as justification for a clean-up operation. It would also mean opening the currently fenced-off site to the public.

Allerdale Borough Council’s development panel approved the planning application for a visitor centre/café and museum mooted by the consortium. It is just one of the developments the consortium hope to get the greenlight for at the site.

Councillor Nicky Cockburn said: "Although it deviated from the Local Planning Policy, the phrasing was it was such a unique opportunity."

Members are keen to see the derelict site put to good use.

The panel were given the opportunity to visit the site before the meeting on Tuesday.

This application was previously deferred and the consortium’s 71 homes bid refused due to concerns that development at the site is being done in a "piecemeal" way.

Cllr Cockburn said that it was helpful to visit Derwent Forest and receive a presentation on the consortium’s masterplan: "I was quite impressed with them. I’ve been on the site before but it was helpful to get an idea of the actual size of the place, they’d given us plans to give you an idea of just how vast the area is."

Approved plans for a museum will educate the public on the site’s key role in the Second World War as an arms depot.

The consortium also plan to build a memorial to an accident in the Buckhill Colliery below the site in 1875.

Allerdale Council granted planning permission for the visitor’s centre with the caveat that the consortium must submit their masterplan for the site before any new developments are approved.

“We’re delighted with this consent, which will bring new visitors to an area rich in heritage and physical assets” said Nigel Catterson, Chairman of the development company.

“Our wider masterplan proposals have always been about opening up the site to beneficial uses like this, with enabling development such as much-needed homes and employment space.  We continue to review those plans in the light of constructive feedback from various stakeholders, including the council’s Development Panel.

“Following favourable feedback, we are working with our professional team as to how we revert with a revised application.” said Mr Catterson.

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