Oswaldtwistle pub set to be saved from demolition by flats scheme
The Lord Longworth was previously The New Inn before undergoing a £50,000 renovation in 2016
An Oswaldtwistle pub building looks set to be saved from demolition by a new scheme to turn it into six one-bedroom flats.
In September 2024 Hyndburn Council gave planning permission to knock down the ‘vacant and derelict’ shell of the former Lord Longworth Public House to make way for nine new apartments.
But now new owner of the building at 6 to 8 Thomas Street in Oswaldtwistle the Ashmead Group Ltd have put forward a proposal to keep the fabric of the former pub to house six one-bedroom flats.
The Lord Longworth was previously The New Inn before undergoing a £50,000 renovation in 2016.
Supporting statements for the latest planning application to Hyndburn Council for the site say: “Ashmead Group purchased the property after it had been vacant for some time.
“The building had been marketed as a public house / function room but the business hadn’t been deemed viable for suitable purchase as an ongoing concern.
“The application proposes to re-purpose the building and provide new residential accommodation in a very sustainable location.
“The building was originally constructed as residential dwellings and so this proposal brings the use back to its original purpose.
“The building has suffered from a lack of maintenance over the years and the proposal will allow for investment in the building fabric which will save and preserve it.
“The apartments are designed to attract long term tenancies and require minimal maintenance.
“The application building sits on the corner of Thomas and Peel Streets.
“The site is approximately 50 metres from Union Road, the main high street through Oswaldtwistle.
“The building has been substantially amended over many years with structural alterations internally to create larger open spaces and rear extensions to create WC and kitchen accommodation.
“The existing building is arranged over three storeys, with a small basement, ground floor and first floor under a slated pitched hipped roof.
“The building was investigated with a view to establishing if it could be easily converted to be used as apartments.
“The brief for the building is to provide one-bedroom apartments that meet or exceed minimum space standards with modern layouts for single person occupancy as an economic solution for independent living.
“There are four apartments proposed to the ground floor and two to the first floor.
“The existing building provides for an easy conversion.
“The building has previously been amended to create larger open spaces and these subdivide easily.
“This is seen as the most realistic use of this vacant building and will provide a good residential option in a superbly sustainable location.”