Blackburn landmark pub demolition moves step closer

THE demolition of a landmark Blackburn Victorian pub to make way for a carpark extension has moved a step closer.

A planning application has been submitted to knock down the fire-ravaged Jacobean-style Victorian premises of The Fleece Inn, in Penny Street.

Blackburn with Darwen Council had originally bought the building in 2021 from Thwaites Brewery with a view to refurbishing and reopening it as part of its town centre regeneration masterplan.

But in February 2022 it suffered extensive internal fire damage caused by a suspected arson attack.

In February this year the council announced the pub was to be demolished as it was too expensive to repair.

Now the authority has applied to itself for planning permission to demolish the gutted building and flatten the site to become a 19 space extension to the neighbouring Penny Street car park.

Conservative regeneration spokesman said: “It is sad that another once well-used and iconic town centre building is to be demolished to become a car park.”

A supporting statement with the application says: “The site is currently in a state of disrepair following a fire.

“It is the intention to demolish the existing building and extend the adjoining car park in replacement of the existing building.

“The Former Fleece Inn, Blackburn, is a brown field site and is located on the corner plot adjacent to Penny Street and Starkie Street.

“The property suffered extensive fire damage in a fire which occurred in 2022.

“The local authority proposes to demolish the former public house and redevelop as a single-storey car park, linking into the existing local authority owned car park to the left-hand side to the former public house.

“The building is a two-storey masonry structure with a basement and a pitched slate roof.

“It is proposed that the existing building is fully demolished, including the infilling of the basement, with the site left clear of all rubble and debris.

“Where possible, the contractor is to use as much rubble from the demolition as possible, for the infilling of the basement.

“The proposed car park will be a ground floor car park only and will match the appearance of the existing adjacent car park.

“The local authority will provide temporary hoarding to prevent unauthorised access between completed demolition works and construction of the car park.

“The clearing of the site will allow the client to extend upon the existing car park, with an increase of circa 19 spaces.”