Pub that has been empty for 14 years to get a new lease of life

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The Castle Inn, Manchester Road

A vacant pub in Rochdale will be transformed into supported living accommodation after Rochdale Council approved the plans.

The Castle Inn, based on Manchester Road, shut back in 2010 – but now it is set to get a new lease of life. Plans submitted by Rochdale Council will see the building transformed into eight one-bedroom supported living flats alongside an office in the cellar.

The layout of the new building would see four flats on the ground floor and the other four upstairs. 

Planning papers state the building is visibly deteriorating and has been for a number of years. The building was subject to a Compulsory Purchase Order which has been completed.

One objection to the planning application came from an individual who claimed to be the legal owner of the building and said the council didn’t get their permission for the application. However, despite being the owner of a property not necessary to gain planning permission, a case officer confirmed that the Compulsory Purchase Order had been completed.

As part of the plans the ‘Mock Tudor’ building will be restored and a single storey toilet block will be demolished and a new communal entrance is to be created.

The council did not confirm who would be occupying the supported living flats, but stated this was designed to help tackle the housing crisis.

Planning papers read: “The dwellings will provide much needed accommodation for the local community to assist with the housing crisis in Rochdale. The office space will provide facilities to support the management function of the homes.”

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter