THE historic Blackburne Arms Pub at Orford, Warrington, is again under threat of demolition to make way for “affordable” retirement homes.
An appeal has been lodged by the applicants against Warrington Borough Council‘s refusal of Full Planning (Major) for demolition of existing public house and construction of 52 affordable retirement units (x22 2Bed and x30 1Bed) and associated landscaping.
Last March members of the Borough Council’s planning committee voted to reject the application.
A total of 272 letters were sent in opposing the scheme and an online petition attracted over 1,000 signatures. There were also objections Orford War Memorial Recreation Club and the local allotment society.
In February the 92-year-old pub was designated an Asset of Community Value, giving hope to campaign group The Friends of the Blackburne Arms who are fighting to keep the Orford Green pub open.
Although not a statutory Listed Building, the pub is a well-known landmark in the area and is a Locally Listed Asset because it dates from 1928 and is named after Robert Ireland Blackburne, a former nobleman in the original rural parish of Orford.
One of those campaigning against the development is former landlord and local resident Mark Moran who said: ” The Friends of The Blackburne Arms committee met last night to agree our plan of action.
“Our constituted group successfully attained an Asset of Community Value for the pub and we intend to strongly defend this on behalf of the local community.
“Also, we are in partnership with the adjacent Orford War Memorial bowling green who have the deeds to all the grounds in that area, detailing the covenant made by Lt. Col. Robert Ireland Blackburne to the parishioners of Orford back in 1923; witnessed and wax sealed by local members of the community. This document, which has largely been ignored thus far, shows that the surrounding area does not actually belong to the pub company nor does some of it belong to WBC, but has actually been given to “the parishioners of Orford” in time and memoriam for their use.
“We are utterly grateful for WBC’s support in saving such a historic and important centre of our community. I think it showed at the Development Committee meeting last March, the groundswell of support we have locally but also how some members of the committee who actually changed their mind on the night when given the evidence put before them.
“The right decision was made on that night and I can only repeat Mike’s plea for the Committee to defend their decision, especially Cllr’s Morgan, Guthrie & Carey who demonstrated a firm but fair assessment of the application and thankfully, voted against permission.
Local Cllr Mike Hannon urged local residents to continue fighting the proposal.
“Can I encourage you all to ask once again for you to participate in the planning appeal in support of retaining the Blackburne Arms.
“Any letters of support and petitions would be welcome.
“We are not home and dry with this decision yet and any further support you can give in protection OUR community building would be welcome.”
The appeal will be determined on the basis of Written Representations which can be made via email to [email protected]
All representations must be received by 28-Oct-2020. All representations must quote the appeal reference APP/M0655/W/20/3255990
Pub regulars celebrate as planners reject bid to demolish historic Blackburne Arms
Threatened Blackburne Arms pub is “asset of community value”
