A community's heart is on the line, and it's all about a pub! The village of Blacko is in a heated battle to save its beloved local, The Cross Gaits Inn, from becoming just another house. A developer wants to demolish the historic, Grade II-listed building and replace it with a large family home and build a new house on the car park. But the residents aren't going down without a fight.
The Cross Gaits Community Pub Group has stepped up, writing to Pendle Council with a compelling argument: a revitalized pub, combined with other commercial ventures and community events, could thrive. But here's where it gets controversial: the developer, John Kay, claims the pub, which has been empty since 2023, is simply not viable. The council, however, has hit the pause button on the development, delaying the decision until next month.
Chartered surveyor David Broschomb, representing the community's wishes, is clear: the community wants the pub to stay a pub. He believes that the best commercial use for the property is as a public house, but it needs to be maximized with other commercial enterprises and community benefits.
Kay's plans involve renovating the old building, while the new home would be built on the already developed land of the former car park. He insists the property is not a viable business based on his evidence. But his previous attempts to change the pub's use have been rejected, and his appeal was also dismissed.
The council was set to make a decision this month, but they've deferred it until February, giving Kay more time to review the community group's report and respond. The community's voice is loud and clear, with 36 objections to the latest plan.
What do you think? Do you believe a community pub is essential for village life, or should developers have the freedom to adapt properties to meet changing needs? Share your thoughts in the comments!
