A plan to convert a historic former Pendle pub into a home and build a new house behind it has been refused, after over 30 objections including from a community group wanting to buy and reopen it.
Applicant John Kay wanted permission from Pendle Council to change the use of the grade II-listed Cross Gaits Inn at Blacko from a pub into a house and also to build a new house in the rear car park. But it has been refused this week.
The pub has not traded for a few years but objectors say a reopened pub would be viable and good pubs are succeeding elsewhere, and they have criticised the asking price for the Cross Gaits, claiming it is unrealistically high.
The new application followed a previously refused application in 2023, and Councillors on Pendle Council’s Barrowford and Western Parishes area committee refused it this week. Planning officers had recommended refusal.
A statement from Mr Kay’s agents said the Blacko property has been vacant since January 2023 following closure by the previous owners. The proposed new development would renovate the historic building and the new home would be on existing developed land.
As sustainable development, it should be supported, the agents said. It would provide two large family homes, make effective use of land, be well designed and protect the green belt.
The Cross Gaits Community Pub Group Ltd had objected to the plans saying there was local support for the pub reopening but the asking price for the venue was too high,
Meanwhile, Blacko Parish Council had previously said development of the old inn would be more desirable than ‘dereliction’.
However, regarding the new application, it stated: “The community pub group has submitted a response which, in the opinion of the parish council, completely undermines the application. The parish council supports the community group’s opinions.”