Rochdale Council has turned down plans to convert a historic pub into flats. The decision comes after concerns about light and the impact on the conservation area.
Developers wanted to create six one-bedroom apartments. They planned to have three on the ground floor and two on the first floor. There was also one more on the second floor.
The changes were minimal, mostly a small extension on the first floor. But the council found that three of the flats wouldn’t get enough light. They also felt the changes would hurt the conservation area.
The pub is in the Spotland Fold Conservation Area, which is quite small. It’s centered around a bend in Rooley Moor Road. The area features the Grade II-listed Spotland Methodist Church, built in 1896.
Interestingly, the pub has been around since at least the 1840s. It was originally called Tenters Arms before becoming Royds Arms by 1890. The developers called it ‘derelict’ but thought their plans could help save it.
They believed the changes would improve the area and keep the building relevant. The planning papers mentioned that they aimed to keep the main features intact.
