Wagons roll on plans to convert derelict pub
ALANDMARK pub which shut three years ago could be converted into more than a dozen bedsits.
The now-vacant Waggon and Horses is a wellknown sight in Rochdale, given its prominent position near one of the town’s busiest junctions.
Sitting just off the intersection of Roch Valley Way and Manchester Road, the once-popular boozer is currently boarded up to prevent vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
But now the red brick building – which dates to the early 20th century – could be divided up into bedsits and converted into a house of multiple occupation (HMO).
Property firm SJA Rochdale Ltd has lodged an application with the council, proposing a scheme which would include 17 bedrooms with shared kitchen, dining and living room facilities.
All but one of the bedsits would have an ensuite bathroom and there would also be a communal laundry room.
A planning statement accompanying the application says there has been ‘little bona fide interest in reopening the building as a pub’. It says: “The development will bring the building back into use, enabling it to make a positive contribution to the area and help to meet housing demand in Rochdale.”
The proposed scheme is also described as being ‘of a high standard of design in terms of living accommodation’ which would provide future residents with ‘a good level of amenity’.
There will be four car parking bays and eight cycle spaces for the 17 tenants’ use, although the applicant claims it will not be necessary for future residents to own a car, due to the site’s ‘excellent public transport links’.