Pub shut down over violence to become flats

A town centre pub which closed down after a spate of violence is to be converted into flats.

The Imperial in Chorley shut its doors in September 2022 following a summer of disturbances, which included a fight involving 15 men.

There were seven separate altercations reported to Lancashire Police and at least three of those began inside the Union Street venue.

The borough council's planning committee gave the go-ahead to turn the two-storey building into nine apartments.

Atlantic Property Group Ltd bought The Imperial building three months ago.

Thomas Clark, development director, said the finances “didn’t add up” to bring it back into community use but told the committee that it was in “a great spot” for residential conversion.

He called the current state of the building an "eyesore".

Chorley North West ward councillor Aaron Beaver said The Imperial had not done well in the few years before its closure.

"The drink culture in Chorley has changed,” he added.

A resident raised concerns about parking and the prospect of nine or more cars needing to park on Fellery Street, alongside the building, where space was already limited.

Committee member Councillor Alan Whittaker said he feared the issue could prove a “significant inconvenience” for those living nearby.

But Councillor Craige Southern suggested a development like the one proposed was likely to attract those without a car.

Planning officers concluded that the town centre location, close to bus and railway stations, reduced the need for parking.

The application was approved by a majority, with just one abstention from Mr Whittaker.

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