PUB regulars are celebrating after members of Warrington’s planning committee unanimously threw out controversial plans to demolish the historic Blackburne Arms pub at Orford.
The application to demolish the 92-year old Blackburne Arms at Orford Green to make way for a block of retirement homes was thrown out by the borough council’s development management committee.
Around 40 regulars, many with placards marched on the town hall to voice their opposition to the plans to demolish the historic pub at the heart of the local community.
Prior to the meeting local Cllr Mike Hannon, who was unable to attend, said: “If this application is granted we lose a part of Warrington’s History.”
The pub has already been designated an Asset of Community Value following a campaign by The Friends of the Blackburne Arms.
More than 1,000 letters opposing the scheme have been sent in and an online petition attracted d 272 signatures. There have also been objections Orford War Memorial Recreation Club and the local allotment society.
One of those attending the meeting and helping to lead the campaign against the planning application was former landlord Mark Moran.
“After the meeting he said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for the local community. The decision was unanimous. We will be celebrating tonight and hopefully this decision can help secure the future of the pub.”
Members of the committee threw out the application on the grounds of over development of the site, traffic issues caused by lack of car parking for the proposed development and threat of flooding.
Threatened Blackburne Arms pub is “asset of community value”
