Old pub set to bite dust as student flats plan revealed
THE Windmill Inn, on Wigan Road, could soon become the latest Ormskirk pub to be lost for good.
The pub has sat empty since 2014, with wooden boards now covering several broken windows, but a developer wants to use the building for student homes.
McComb Property has submitted a planning application to West Lancashire Borough Council to convert the Grade IIlisted building into seven demolished and replaced apartments. A garden area student apartments. by a new single-storey and nine parking spaces Under the proposal, extension and another de- would also be made avail- extensions added to the tached building which able, with a total capacity original building will be would house some of the for 14 students available in the development.
The pub would become the latest in a series to be lost to Ormskirk permanently, along with the likes of the Ropers Arms, on Wigan Road, which is now a Co-Op store.
In its application, McComb says that residents’ concerns over the redevelopment have been factored into the plans and argues that the proposed apartments are more suitable for the area than many of houses which have been converted into bedsits in the town.
It also argues that creating more student housing will allow such bedsits, also known as “HMOs” to be freed back up for use by families.
It says: “The economic vitality of Ormskirk is inextricably linked with the popularity of Edge Hill University; it is, therefore, essential to provide facilities that will encourage students to continue to apply for study in the town.
“The negative impact that student HMOs are currently having on house prices and availability in Ormskirk is a matter which needs to be hastily addressed. Purpose-built student accommodation frees up family homes and will relieve pressure on the housing market and prevent rising prices.
“This will benefit students who require quality accommodation, and families who are in need of good-sized homes at a fair price.”