THE future of a historic manor house gutted by an arson attack has been thrown into doubt.

The 16th century Sparth Manor House, in Clayton-le-Moors, was torched in 2013, leaving the one-time restaurant’s ground floor wrecked.

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Oswaldtwistle man Alan McSorley, who expressed interest in buying the Grade II-listed property with his wife, has again withdrawn a planning application with the council to convert it into a home.

A similar application lodged last September was also withdrawn.

Local councillor, Tim O’Kane, has previously spoken of his desire to see the building returned to use.

He said: “The building’s listed status means they are limited to what they can do with it, and it’s a very historic building.

“We have to welcome the fact somebody is willing to put some money into it.

“I would have thought it would have been a community building but of course with the money being so tight all round, nobody can afford to lavish money out on things.

“The amount of money for repairs just now is pretty high.”

The building was put up for sale in 2013 for £250,000.