A CONTROVERSIAL plan to partly demolish a historic building to make way for a new retirement home has been rejected.

Property developers Astim Limited had applied for outline planning permission to knock down the rear of the Grant Arms, in Market Place, Ramsbottom.

They wanted to build 28 bedrooms and a communal lounge at the back of the old hotel, while retaining the façade of the Grade II listed building.

But Bury Council officers have refused planning permission on the grounds the application contains 'insufficient assessment of the building's historical significance'.

They go on to say the proposed alterations would have an 'adverse impact on the historic importance' of the building, which dates back to the 1800s.

And officers added: "The development would 'neither preserve or enhance' the special character and appearance of the Ramsbottom Conservation Area."

The conversion is also described as introducing a 'discordant feature' into the area, due to its 'scale, massing and design'.

Further reasons given include concerns that the proposal would result in the loss of existing car parking in Ramsbottom town centre, likely to result in 'vehicles parking and carrying out manoeuvres on the adjacent highways to the detriment of the free flow of traffic and road safety'.

Ramsbottom councillor Rob Hodkinson said he was 'delighted' the application had been rejected for the reasons outlined by the council.

He said: "It's of special historical interest that building, and I understand they wanted to demolish the back of it, which is the oldest part, we would lose all that history."

But he added that he was 'disappointed' there was no one else had been able to come up with a plan to 'bring it back to life'.

He said: "My concern is I would like to see the building have some use and, unfortunately, it seems that as a drinking place — as a pub and hotel — it's been unable to pay its way.

"It would need a really big investment in that building, a lot of money would need to be spent on the interior.

"It's a shame, there have been several attempts to revive the place but unfortunately none have succeeded and now it's derelict and empty."