Housing plans set for derelict village pub
AN historic West Lancashire pub could soon be converted to housing. Plans submitted to the local council could see the former Stanley Arms converted into three terraced houses.
The development would also see the construction of a five bedroom house on the far end of what was the car park.
The pub, on Ormskirk Road in Up Holland, has been empty for two years and those behind the application say it is occupied by squatters and in need of major repair work.
It had been in use for more than 120 years since being built in the 19th century.
Applicant Gemma Fletcher, of Advance Electrical & Solar Ltd, says there will be minimal alterations to the external appearance of the building, while removing the eyesore elements of dereliction.
The application states: “The Stanley has boarded up and abandoned for the past two years leaving an eyesore in the picturesque village of Upholland.
As it stands the building is in need of serious repair.
“Upon ownership of The Stanley we have noted that there there are squatters occupying the property and outbuildings, creating opportunity for anti-social behaviour, vandalism and illegal substance misuse.”
The bid goes on to explain that a former landlord filed for bankruptcy in 2015 due to the business being unprofitable, and temporary landlords were given control while a longterm occupier was sought.
It continues: “Unfortunately, no permanent tenants for the business could be found and the public house was permanently closed just after Christmas in January 2020. The pub was then boarded up and left abandoned as it stands now, no other tenants were found following year and a half.
“As the pub permanently closed in January 2020 and the global pandemic hit the UK in March 2020 the pubs closure was in no way related to the Covid outbreak.
Admiral Taverns disclosed that the closure was as a result of poor trade and competition from other Public Houses in the vicinity; The Plough and Harrow, The Britannia, The Victoria, The White Lion and The Delph.”