Yob-magnet Wigan ex-pub may become flats

A former Wigan pub, which has been a magnet for serious anti-social behaviour for years could be turned into housing.
By Ben Butler
Published 12th May 2020, 11:38 BST
Updated 12th May 2020, 11:40 BST
The former New Fleece HotelThe former New Fleece Hotel
The former New Fleece Hotel

The New Fleece Hotel, on Warrington Road in the middle of Ashton closed in 2016 after Wigan Council revoked its licence.

Neighbours had complained about late-night noise and vandalism while police uncovered a shocking litany of major management failures when asked to look into the matter.

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But closing the boozer only served to replace one set of problems with another, as traders reported youths running amok in the abandoned building and turning that part of Ashton into a no-go zone.

It is now hoped that all that will all be history after applicant 2 by 2 Developments submitted plans to create residential properties there.

The applicant plans to repair, refurbish and convert the vacant and decaying building to form 10 one-bedroom apartments, two two-bedroom apartments and five one-bedroom short-let apartments.

The developer also plans to create an off-street parking court, repair and refurbish and convert the Stable Block off-license to residential accommodation.

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Also included in the plan is a refurbishment of new access routes, highway safety improvements and new hard and soft landscape to the back courtyard and parking court.

Paperwork with the application reads: “This conversion of the now closed pub and hotel existing buildings to residential accommodation will enable the repair and refurbishment of the heritage asset and is a financially viable proposal for the reuse of the building and site.”

Planning and consent has previously been granted in 2018 to create 11 apartments at the Grade II listed building, but these plans have not come to fruition. The application states: “The aim of the proposed development is to enhance and bring back into use the currently vacant and decaying building by offering a new use for the building to suit market demands for permanent and short term housing accommodation.

“It is therefore believed that the characteristics of the development respect the sensitivity of the conservation area as well as the conditions of a Grade II listed building.”

It adds: “The minor changes to 9-11 Warrington Road will sustain the significance and importance of the heritage asset.”