Owner of ex-Queen’s Arms objects to plan for offices
THE owner of the former Queen’s Arms pub in Rawtenstall has objected to a plan to convert the adjacent cottage into offices.
Applicant Miss Joy Howieson seeks to convert the two-storey building - which has been split from the main Grade II-listed building - from its existing pub and nightclub use to office use.
The proposal for the site, on the corner of Bank Street/St Mary’s Way, Haslingden Road and Bacup Road, includes two new rear access doors, and replacement of the windows.
It comes after Rossendale council approved Abid Jan’s application to turn the former pub and courthouse, dating back to 1830, into a restaurant and four flats, back in July.
The pub was bought at auction in February when it was put up for sale with a guide price of between £150,000 and £175,000.
Mr Jan is among five objectors to Miss Howieson’s application, claiming that running a business from the rear of the building will cause “disturbance to residents of the flats” he is currently creating, plus “obstruction to the accessway”.
He adds: “The Queens Cottage would be suited to office use but it should be accessed as it currently is from the front of the building on Bank Street.”
Following discussions the originally proposed external roller shutters to the rear of the building and the canopy from the rear elevation of the building, have been omitted.
The planning manager’s report concludes that: “The proposed development is acceptable in principle, and subject to conditions would not detract from visual amenity, heritage value, neighbour amenity or highway safety.”
The application will be discussed at the council’s development control meeting on Tuesday, October 6 which will be conducted via Zoom.