19th century pub could soon be converted into flats

Royds Arms, Rooley Moor Road, Rochdale

An old pub that dates back to the 19th century could soon be converted into new apartments.

The Royds Arms sits within a conservation area of Rochdale and has been vacant for more than a year. Now plans have been tabled to transform the Rooley Moor Road site into six new one-bedroom apartments.

If the proposals put forward by Bidwell Ventures UK are approved, the ground floor will contain three flats with two more on the first floor and the last one on the second floor.

According to planning papers, there are very few external changes proposed other than a first-floor extension which would sit on top of the existing single storey ground floor extension.

The pub sits within Spotland Fold Conservation Area, which covers a small area centred upon a bend in Rooley Moor Road.

The principal building in the area is the Grade II listed Spotland Methodist Church of 1896. 

A  heritage report found evidence of the pub’s existence as far back as the 1840’s when it was known as Tenters Arms, before changing its name to Royds Arms by 1890.

The applicants described the building as ‘derelict’ but believe this development can help futureproof the old drinking establishment.

Planning papers read: “The refurbishment and change of use proposed will undoubtedly improve the area and revitalise an existing redundant building, thereby safeguarding its future as a prominent building that is located on the fringe of the Spotland Fold Conservation Area.

“The proposed has been carefully considered and looks to minimise changes to the main elevations which are viewed from a public vantage point, retaining all existing features and characteristics.”

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter