WORK is under way to transform one of Kendal’s old inns into homes.

Local housebuilder Russell Armer Homes is redeveloping the Cock & Dolphin pub with a yard-style mix of apartments and houses.

Excavation work has begun on the brownfield site and the first properties are due for completion next year.

The pub itseslf, overlooking the River Kent, is being transformed into nine two-bedroom apartments, including affordable homes for locals. There will be six apartments in the old pub and three in a brand new wing.

The developer is also building nine properties in the pub grounds, a mixture of two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses.

Managing director Martyn Nicholson said the £2.6m development reflected South Lakeland District Council’s policy of promoting the use of brownfield sites where appropriate for housing.