A PLANNING application has been submitted to change the use of a residential castle to a wedding and corporate event venue with an accompanying cafe and restaurant. 

Plans for the sui-generis application for Greystoke Castle, near Penrith, were submitted to Westmorland & Furness Council on October 13. 

Subject to planning permission, the castle, which dates back to 1353, is expected to see a host of extensive repair work, refurbishing kitchens, upgrading heating, fire safety measures, and alteration of the rear courtyard area.

The castle is being leased to Greystoke Events Ltd.

The proposed change also includes the demolition of the 20th-century garages to the rear courtyard, replacing them with a steel framed structure with bi-folding doors to aid event organisation.

The plans also propose to bring 15 full-time employees on board. 

Reportedly, the grounds had been previously used for corporate hospitality events and weddings under the 28-day rule, permitting alternative use without planning approval.

92 additional spaces car parking spaces are included within the plans. 

The existing castle has 14 bedrooms. Only seven of these are proposed to be brought into use as guest bedrooms for weddings.

The design & access statement reads: "The change of use will not impact on the character or significance of the building.

"Overall the repairs to the fabric of the castle will have a positive impact on the historic structure and arrest further deterioration."