A proposal to transform a historic former pub which was ruined in a suspected arson attack has been withdrawn.
The 300-year-old Grade II listed building, which was last used as the Toby Tavern, was hit by a huge fire on Friday, March 4, which saw fire crews attending the building off Ashley Road, Skelmersdale, just after 5pm and battling through the night to bring the blaze under control.
The sheer scale of the fire meant that the building was left in a poor state, with the roof, windows and large sections of walls gone, while police said afterwards that they were undertaking a joint investigation with the fire service into the incident which was being treated as suspicious, reports Lancs Live.
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The historic building was at the centre of a planning bid, submitted to West Lancashire Council for the Toby Tavern Bar and Grill in June last year, which, if approved, would have seen the demolition of existing barn outbuildings, and the renovation and conversion of the Grade II Listed building to offices, a kitchen and bistro and multi use space on the first floor.
Meanwhile, a new building was also proposed, including 60 apartments split across the ground, first and second floor in the proposed extra-care living building.
Other facilities in the new building would have included a communal lounge for residents, a salon, guest suite and staff room. Detailed documents submitted as part of the proposals, which included an application for listed building consent, named the applicant as SEP Construction Services Ltd, based in Tarporley, Cheshire, and Grimster Planning Ltd as the agent.
But documents submitted for the application at the time had warned of the risks of structural defects and the threat of vandalism. A heritage report submitted with the application also highlighted the historic nature of the former Skelmersdale Hall, dating from 1712 and said that it had been extended and altered, with its rural setting having been absorbed by the new town, and was last used as a public house before being abandoned.
Now the proposals have been withdrawn, according to an update on West Lancashire Council's planning portal which says a decision was issued on March 24 this year. The move has prompted a mixture of relief and consternation in the community, along with calls for the landmark building to be preserved as a vital part of Skelmersdale's heritage.
Councillor James Upjohn, independent councillor for Ashurst, who has been in discussion since the blaze with Historic England and planning and conservation officers at West Lancashire Council said he had been told the building should be saved.
He said: "The conservation officer at West Lancashire Borough Council has inspected the site and has said enough of the building remains that it should be rebuilt using the available stone and that the building is of special heritage significance."
His statement prompted a range of reactions, with some calling for the building to be turned back into a pub by the community, others saying it should be a wine bar, and others calling for a restaurant. Sandra Glover commented: "Now the site needs securing or else there will be more bad news!"
Meanwhile, Suzanne Kelly said: "Great, now we need someone willing to rebuild the Toby to the way it should be." Julie Watts commented: "It needs rebuilding and made into something for the Ashurst community."
A Historic England spokesperson said: "Following the damage caused by fire at Grade II listed Old Toby Public House/Skelmersdale Hall, we have provided support to the Local Planning Authority to help them to ascertain the best route forwards for this historic building."
West Lancashire Council was contacted for comment along with Lancashire Police for an update on the investigation into the fire.
