A PLAN to bulldoze and derelict pub in order to build 22 affordable flats has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

The scheme comes up for consideration at the borough’s planning committee meeting on Tuesday, June 11.

Jigsaw Homes North and Watston Construction Ltd have tabled the plan to demolish the Pit Pony Inn on Low Bank Road, in Ashton-in-Makerfield. The pub has been vacant since 2022.

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Leigh Journal: How the flats could lookHow the flats could look (Image: Jigsaw Homes)
They want to build 19 one-bed apartments and three two-bed homes, to be developed in a single, part three-storey, part two-storey block following the demolition of the existing buildings.

The development will be served by a revised vehicle and pedestrian access from Low Bank Road, and there would be off-road parking and landscaping.

There have been 36 objections to the scheme submitted to planners and Couns Scarlett Myler and Steve Jones are also against the proposal. 

A report to the committee says: “Both councillors raised issues with the design of the building and its appearance within the surrounding area, stating the height of the building will harm the privacy of neighbours.”

They say that Low Bank Road is already a busy road and with ‘up to 22 more cars pulling in and out of the development road safety is a concern as well as added ongestion when the [nearby] rugby club is in use’.

Other objectors say the scale of the development is likely to create ‘a physical eyesore’ in the area.

“The development will cause overlooking issues to surrounding properties and result in a loss of light,” one says.

“The proposed parking provision is inadequate for the number of flats proposed,” another says.

However, officers have recommended planning permission be granted, subject to a range of conditions.