Housing approved on former pub site
AHOUSING scheme for the site of a former has been narrowly approved.
Planning committee chairperson Marilyn Procter cast the deciding vote after the six-member panel was split over the plans for the Weir Hotel.
Six objection letters were sent to Rossendale council over the application to demolish the pub, on Burnley Road, and build three 3-bedroom terraced houses and another three 4-bed detached houses on the former pub car park.
They cited concerns over highway safety, harm to biodiversity, boundary issues, lack of privacy and parking and ‘inadequate local infrastructure’ support more houses.
Christopher Dance, speaking on behalf of the objectors, also voiced concerns over United Utilities’ possible objection to relating to a water main under one of the proposed housing plots.
He told councillors that access on to Burnley Road will be ‘extremely precarious’ and that the area is an ‘accident blackspot’.
He said: “There are so many flaws in this application.”
Emily Robertson, speaking on behalf of applicant Mr J Lancaster, said the concerns raised by United Utilities will be covered by planning conditions and the scheme is ‘well considered and respectful to the environment’.
She told the planning meeting that the pub is in a ‘state of general deterioration’ and the development will ‘result in positive benefits’ to the local community and economy.
Ms Robertson said highways bosses at county hall had raised no concerns and only two objections were received from their 80-letter consultation last year.
Bacup councillor Jimmy Eaton said he had ‘grave concerns’ and moved a recommendation that the council reject the application on access and drainage grounds.
He said: “In my opinion it’s a very dangerous bend.
“I’m very surprised that LCC highways have not said it was a problem. It’s a very busy road.”
His recommendation was backed by councillors Karl Kempson and Ann Kenyon.
However, it was defeated by councillors Andrea Fletcher, Amanda Robertson and Marilyn Procter, who cast the deciding vote.
Coun Robertson said: “It would be nice to carry on having a pub there but there is not enough interest.
“It makes use of an empty area and provide houses that are needed.”