CAMPAIGNERS have announced their intentions to keep fighting plans to turn a listed pub into accommodation following a renewed planning application.

City View Estates are planning to turn the Lord Raglan in Nangreaves into accommodation, along with six terraced houses nearby.

They have said that their proposal would "enhance the character and quality" of the surrounding environment, something which campaigners have disputed.

Geoff Kirkman, a member of the group opposed to the development, said: "We are still upbeat on pursuing the option of restoring it to what it was- as a community amenity and as a pub.

"It is a massive loss to the community and we're going to fight it. Building six townhouses is not in keeping with the area."

"We have a business plan, are starting to raise funds and we are quite confident that we can raise a chunk of money, but can't tell the prospective sellers what we might be able to raise."

As part of their application, City View said: "The proposal would enhance the character and quality of the historic environment and make a positive contribution to the heritage value of the site.

"The design is complimentary to the Mount Pleasant village and will contribute to the redevelopment of a currently deserted site.

"The Lord Raglan pub has been closed for some time and residents have started using other pubs in the vicinity.

"This is why the change of use will have no detrimental effect to the already established routine in the area but only positive one in terms of the overall aesthetics of this part of Mount Pleasant."

However, Geoff said that regardless of residents using other pubs, they would like to see the much-loved Lord Raglan restored to its former glory.

Spencer Donnelly, another member of the campaigning group, said that it is essential for residents that there are "a number of community hubs."

He added: "I had bought my property in the village and was suckered when I found out that it had shut.

"The current owners have paid over the odds to turn it into as many homes as possible, which goes completely against the area."

Bury North MP James Daly, has also voiced his support for the Lord Raglan campaigners.

He said: "The Lord Raglan is an asset of community value and an important symbol for local residents who have a business plan for its re-opening and made a reasonable offer to buy it that was ignored.

"We should oppose this planning application and redouble our efforts to ensure this significant building is retained as the community hub the beautiful village of Nangreaves deserves."

City View Estates has been contacted for further comment.

To view the plans, search for application 65428 at https://planning.bury.gov.uk/online-applications/.