Decision on the fate of historic inn is delayed
BEFORE THE BENCH
OBSERVER REPORTER
THE settling of a dispute over whether developers can demolish historic buildings near a Grade II-listed for- mer Accrington coaching inn has been delayed.
Hyndburn council’s cabinet had been due to vote on a proposal to extend the Christ Church Conservation Area to include the buildings at 1-11 Black Abbey Street and 1 Jacob Street.
But the proposal was withdrawn before the meeting to allow the council to discuss the matter further with developers.
Planning permission is required in order to knock down buildings in a conservation area.
A certificate of lawfulness application was submitted by Judith Hughes and Paul Stark in July to establish whether 1–11 Black Abbey Street and 1 Jacob Street could be demolished without planning permission.
In the withdrawn report, council conservation officer David Morris explained: “The former Red Lion Public House on Abbey Street is listed grade II and the question is whether any of the buildings on Black Abbey Street are listed by virtue of being in the curtilage of the listed building.
“The application argues than none are listed and that demolition can proceed.”
Mr Morris said the row of the old Red Lion pub, its stables and barn and the adjacent row of cottages were some of the first buildings in Accrington, originally surrounded by fields.
Developers want to redevelop the ‘semi-derelict’ site for housing, alongside the conversion of the adjacent Grade II-listed 104 Abbey Street to residential.
But Hyndburn council says the Abbey Grange area is of fundamental importance to the history of CASES heard at Blackburn Magistrates Court:
SAQUB Ali, 33, of College Street, Accrington, was found guilty in his absence of using a vehicle without insurance. He was fined £660, ordered to pay £150 costs and given six points on his driving licence.
MACAULEY Declan Cook, 22, of Rosehill Road, Burnley, pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill and threatening to cause criminal damage. He was given a 20-week jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, with a supervision requirement, a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and a five-year restraining order.
NATHAN James Accrington.
A Hyndburn council spokesman said the report was taken off the cabinet agenda for further discussions with the owners.
Monks from Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds had a farm in the 13th century at Abbey Grange.
The Red Lion Hotel was a popular coaching inn when the town’s first stage coach service ran through in 1815 from Manchester to Clitheroe.
It is thought the area represents the earliest settlement in the town and the foundation of its historic narrative.
Council chiefs say it contains a series of Georgian buildings of great interest which have fascinated Accrington people for generations.
The buildings also form part of the official Acorn Visitor Heritage Trail. Brown, 37, of Pickup Street, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to assault by beating. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs.
DOMINIK Kozubinski, 22, of Windermere Avenue, Huncoat, pleaded guilty to drink driving. He was given a six-month community order with a 12-hour attendance centre requirement, ordered to pay £85 costs and disqualified from driving for 24 months, reduced by 24 weeks if he completes a course approved by the Secretary of State.
KURT Tattersall, 45, of Fox Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to shoplifting. He was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs.
STEVEN Alan Birtwistle, 25, of Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to shoplifting and a public order offence. He was given a 12-month community order with 100 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £65 compensation and £85 costs.
JACQUELINE Scott, 60, of The Avenue, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to drink driving in Great Harwood. She was fined £205, ordered to pay £85 costs and disqualified from driving for 17 months, reduced by 17 weeks if she completes a course approved by the Secretary of State.