A TROUBLED pub that was shut down after a mass brawl could be transformed into flats.

The Lord Raglan, in Water Street, Radcliffe, was closed by police in May 2015 following a large-scale fight that spilled out onto the street.

Bury Council rejected an attempt to re-open the pub under new ownership last September, as police raised concerns that it would still be controlled by the former licence holder.

The local authority is now considering new proposals to convert the Victorian building into 10 one-bedroom apartments.

The pub was sold at auction earlier this year and developers are planning to keep much of the existing structure in place, in order to “maintain the integrity and character of the building and therefore the building’s contribution to the historic and architectural character” of Radcliffe.

A supporting statement submitted on behalf of the applicant, Mr J Mulcahy, said: “What is proposed is to convert the existing building as far as possible, within its existing frame and structure, to 10 one-bedroom flats.

“It is proposed that there be five flats on each floor. The existing main entrance to the building on Water Street will be retained and used as the main entrance to the new apartments.

“There will be secondary entrances to the rear and side to meet fire regulation and ease of access requirements.

“The flats make use of the existing window arrangements for light with only new windows being required on the rear of the lower two-storey part of the building.

“Therefore when converted, the building will retain the existing appearance much as now but with the existing pub paraphernalia removed from the externals.

“Externally the existing beer garden will be used to provide six car parking spaces and external bin storage.”

After the violent incident in May, police said that there was a history of staff at the pub being uncooperative with officers.

When the application to re-open the pub came before the council’s licensing panel in September 2015, objections were submitted by local residents who complained of damage to property, anti-social behaviour, drugs, noise and traffic.

A crime impact assessment of the new plans by Greater Manchester Police said that their support for the residential development is dependent on a number of alterations being made.

They include protecting ground floor windows, installing security alarms and a video-entry phone system, and improving security in the parking area.

However, the report adds that the development would bring “increasing activity and vitality” to the local area.

A consultation period, in which nearby neighbours can have their say on the new plans, will continue until September 20.