A FORMER Hyde pub will be turned into eight different flats if plans are given the
go-ahead.
And those wanting to convert The Clarence say there is ‘no prospect’ of it staying as it was.
The building on Talbot Road in Newton will be turned into five one-bedroomed and three studio apartments if planning permission is granted by Tameside Council.
Real Estate Aventor, whose only listed officer is Aklakur Rahman of Wilbraham Road in Manchester’s Fallowfield area, has lodged the application.
And documents state that despite attempts to market the property as a pub, they have failed.
A statement says: “The Clarence Hotel has been vacant for a number of years and despite being marketed through reputable specialist agents it has not proved possible to lease it.
“The previous owners, Admiral Taverns, were trying to lease this property as a pub from March 5, 2019, until October 22, 2020 and during this period, they had no interest.
“No interest has been secured, or even been evident, in either a leasehold or freehold pub operation. In fact, the viability problems of running a pub business at the Clarence Hotel go back much further.
“There is no prospect of the building being returned to a viable pub use. The business was evidently struggling a decade ago.
“A proper and rigorous marketing exercise has demonstrated that there is no demand to operate a pub use here.”
If permission is given, few alterations will be made to the current structure, with the statement adding: “The front elevation is the most important in terms of the character of the building and its retention will ensure that there is a lasting reminder of the building’s historic existence as a public house.
Access to the front studio apartments will be via the existing front entrance.
The flats at the rear will be accessed by the rear entrance and the raised decking area to the rear, which used to be a beer garden, will provide outdoor space.
And the statement continues: “The proposed conversion to residential use would be an appropriate re-use of a building. It would provide new housing opportunities for local people.
“It would also retain the character of the building and provide a lasting visual reminder of the former pub use.
“The flats and studios will all provide attractive modern living environments and associated outdoor space.
“They will meet the needs of local people who are looking for smaller, more affordable units. They will therefore add to local housing choice.”
Tameside Council’s Speakers Panel (Planning) committee will decide whether to grant or refuse permission.