Former East Lancashire pub earmarked for new c-store

A former pub in an East Lancashire township has been earmarked for a new convenience store.

The proposal for the Bay Horse on Manchester Road, Baxenden, is the second for the site.

A previous planning application to demolish the 150-year-old building and build a new Co-op shop was rejected by Hyndburn planners in October 2021.

The latest proposal by Thistlewood Properties Ltd would retain and refurbish the building and add an extension.

Documents submitted with the planning application to Hyndburn Council say: “The new store will have a total footprint of around 350 square metres, utilising the ground floor of the existing building and an extension to the side and rear.

“The site comprises the former Bay Horse public house, which has been closed since July 2020, together with its outdoor patio area and car park.

“The existing pub has operated on the site for many years, but in common with many suburban pubs over recent years, trade has fallen and it has become increasingly unprofitable to the point where it has been forced to close. It has been established that the property does not form a viable business in the long term, particularly given the alternatives which are available in the village.

“The new convenience store will therefore replace a poorly used community facility with an alternative which will be more valuable to a wider range of residents. It is noted that the pub has been closed for nearly two years and there has been no sustained objection to the loss of the pub from the local community.

“The convenience store is expected to help meet the day-to-day shopping needs of local residents. It will be open seven days a week from early morning until late evening selling a basic range of groceries, ready meals, sandwiches and snacks, beers, wines and spirits and a range of fresh fruit and vegetables.

“”Some 15 plus staff are expected to be employed, and there will be job opportunities for experienced retail employees as well as part-time and shift work for young adults and retirees.

“The majority of staff are expected to be recruited locally.

“There are another three pubs in the village, the Dog and Partridge, the Alma Inn and the Victoria Hotel.

“The amenity of nearby residents will be preserved, and indeed improved, by the provision of boundary planting, the removal of an outdoor drinking area and cessation of noise and disturbance late at night from pub customers.”