Ex-pub must apply for change of use before extension
THE owners of a former pub now turned into a children’s education centre have submitted a planning application for an extension - but first need to apply for permission for their change of use to the building, which occurred five years ago.
The Albany’s Children Trust have applied for the demolition of an existing single storey extension and rebuilding a larger single storey extension with patio area over.
They took over the former Farewell Inn, on 725, Manchester Road, Castleton,
five years ago, where they work with local high schools to enhance the education and life prospects of disengaged learners from all backgrounds.
They currently work in partnership with Kingsway
Park High School in Rochdale, and Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School in Middleton.
Their website states: “The focus of these groups has been personal development through planned excursions which include both educational and recreational outings.”
A planning statement submitted to Rochdale Borough Council outlines the use of the former pub.
It says: “The Farewell Inn was purchased by Albany Products in 2014 to be used as a base for the company’s charitable trust which was set up to give under-privileged children within the Rochdale borough a chance to enhance their education by attending classes taken by the Albany Trust’s education team and improving their life skills by giving them practical learning experiences.
“The public house has been used since 2015 for this purpose and has been recognised by the ratings authority from 2015.”
Prior to its purchase, the pub, previously owned by Punch Taverns, was vacant as Punch had failed to get tenants.
There were also a number of other pubs within nearby walking distance, which justified the loss of the pub.
Punch “exhausted all options” before putting the pub on the open market, and Albany say the use of the pub as an education centre for Rochdale children is “community use.”
Rochdale Borough Council will decide on the planning application later this year.