Apartments plan sounds death knell for Darwen's Cemetery Hotel (From Blackburn Citizen)
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Apartments plan sounds death knell for Darwen's Cemetery Hotel
2:44pm Monday 11th February 2013 in News
By Dan Clough, Reporter
AN historic Darwen pub could be transformed into apartments if a planning application is successful.
The former Cemetery Hotel in Cemetery Road could become four apartments under plans submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Records of a pub on the site date back to 1888.
According to the plans, little will be changed to the exterior of the building, apart from the removal of signage and chimneys. The proposals would also see a new roof put on the building to prevent water leaking in and the demolition of the rear extension, previously used as a dining area, to make way for two parking spaces per apartment.
In a design statement sent to the council, the developer Carl Bradshaw said: “When a public house is no longer viable as an operational business, then closure is the only option. Under these conditions, redevelopment with an alternative use can be the only viable option.
“The layout and design for the proposed development have evolved following careful consideration to creating an acceptable residential accommodation.
“The proposed change of use will bring back into use a prominent building on a main access route into Darwen.”
The statement added: “The alterations are to allow the residents a high standard of living accommodation.”
Whitehall councillor Karimeh Foster said: “In historical terms, it will be sad to see the pub go as it has been there for many years and acts as a local landmark.
“But, on the other hand, with people short of places to live it is a good idea.
“The pub was struggling when it was still open and if there is little business then is it worth keeping it going?
“Maybe it makes sense to turn it into apartments to help people looking for accommodation in the town.”
Comments(12)
IdontLIKEliars
says...
3:21pm Mon 11 Feb 13
So Karimeh says people are short of places to live? Well why would her other colleagues working at the council be so against other developments within the town of darwen? Simon huggill!!!
Quoting her husband from another story about developments in darwen in the telegraph he said he "feared work would be started but not finished." So why aren't they bothered about this one? Is it because it on their ward and don't want another public house to stay open near there own house?
Or is it that they know the plans are going through so they aren't going to waste time and the councils money protesting it!!!!!
amazed
says...
7:05pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Many years ago (I always seem to start by saying this!) when our children were growing up we always went to have sunday lunch at the Cemetery Hotel. It was always full and the food was excellen t. I wonder why standards were let slip causing trade to fall off and closure?
Kiwihead
says...
2:05am Tue 12 Feb 13
caroline the xjw
says...
7:36pm Wed 13 Feb 13
IdontLIKEliars wrote:this is a delapodated building which has lacked both public support as a pub and investment by the previous long term landlord / brewery , as a local home owner I applaud any investment in this impoverished town
Karimeh Foster said “But, on the other hand, with people short of places to live it is a good idea." So Karimeh says people are short of places to live? Well why would her other colleagues working at the council be so against other developments within the town of darwen? Simon huggill!!! Quoting her husband from another story about developments in darwen in the telegraph he said he "feared work would be started but not finished." So why aren't they bothered about this one? Is it because it on their ward and don't want another public house to stay open near there own house? Or is it that they know the plans are going through so they aren't going to waste time and the councils money protesting it!!!!!
wigan1966
says...
9:52pm Wed 13 Feb 13
sean_brfc
says...
11:03am Thu 14 Feb 13
Straighttalker11
says...
3:09pm Thu 14 Feb 13
As far as the new owners go they are just going to turn an old building into flats just to make a fast buck
Catwomem
says...
9:19pm Thu 14 Feb 13
Straighttalker11
says...
10:38am Fri 15 Feb 13
And if the new owners won't see a return on there investment then there is no point to the project
Maybe the renovation costs are great the building was picked up cheap and u wouldn't spend that kind of money not to make money
silly old moo
says...
1:00pm Fri 15 Feb 13
I don't think they are doing this to make a fast buck, it will be more of a long term investment, an investment for Darwen people.
I say three cheers to them.
Straighttalker11
says...
4:37pm Fri 15 Feb 13
I.e the mill gap apartments ?
Bat E Karen says...
2:55pm Mon 11 Feb 13
I wish someone could have taken it on and turned it into a good family pub with decent food.