PEOPLE looking to keep an Ashton-under-Lyne pub open have vowed to not give up, despite a plan to demolish it and replace it with nine houses.
Pegs Lantern, on St Albans Avenue, is said to have closed on November 29 and a month later, Manchester-based McCabe Ltd applied to Tameside Council to develop where it stands.
But Westley and Kirsty Hague – who run Stacked Burger – have promised to do all they can to keep what is also known as Pegs Langtern as a community hub.
Even though they were made aware of the possibility of the plans when they took the venue on.
In a statement, Westley said: “The pub is very much open and is looking better than ever.
“I’m always searching for a permanent, long-term home for Stacked, but the right opportunity hasn’t presented itself just yet. That said, The Pegs has real potential. “Rather than starting again elsewhere, I decided to take it on fully and run the venue myself.
“However, it couldn’t continue in the condition it was in, so renovations were essential.
“When I met with the property owner, I was made aware that there are future plans to demolish the building for housing.
“I went into this fully informed, hoping to get at least a year while planning permissions and timelines were worked through — as I was advised these processes usually take time.
“I set a budget to turn things around, which was quickly exceeded, and I’m now heavily invested and working against the clock.
“I promise I’ll give this my all until the very last second.”
Documents supporting the homes proposal say it would ‘tidy a site that is rapidly falling into decay.’
Four blocks, three of two homes and one of three, would be constructed if the go ahead is given.
All would have private gardens to the rear and paperwork states: “The units are designed to be outward facing, addressing and activating the street frontages of Beverley Close, Bristol Avenue and St Albans Avenue.
“This approach promotes natural surveillance and reinforces the existing residential grain of the neighbourhood, enhancing community safety and visual interest.
“We believe that this proposal is a well-designed, sustainable, and appropriate development that respects the character of Ashton-under-Lyne and adheres to local and National Planning Policy and one that should be welcomed by all parties.
“Apart from the benefit of essential new housing. it tidies a site which is rapidly falling into decay.”
Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee, or officers, will decide whether to grant or refuse permission.