THE future of a once-popular Ribble Valley inn is again in doubt after plans were re-submitted for its demolition.

The privately-owned Moorcock Inn Hotel and Restaurant in Slaidburn Road, Waddington, has closed and reopened several times under different management over the past 40 years.

It shut its doors for the final time at the end of 2010.

Ribble Valley Council’s planning committee turned down proposals to demolish it in November 2012, saying the ‘size of the houses did not meet local need’ and were out of keeping with the rural area.

A later application, which included plans for three detached houses, was submitted in April 2013 but was withdrawn earlier this year. Now applicants S and A Thornber have submitted a new proposal for seven houses.

Clitheroe resident, Mary Robinson, whose husband’s family owned the pub from the 1920s to the 1970s, said: “It’s good that there is another chance that something will be done with the site. You never want to see a building that was so loved decaying.

“David and I were married there in 1971 and we had many family events there over the years.

“I would like to see something tasteful put in its place if it is to be knocked down.

“We have no great desire to see it struggle on as a pub because there just isn’t the demand along Slaidburn Road for a pub.”

In 1975, the inn was put into liquidation after losses of £97,500 were revealed.

Later that year, the building was gutted by fire, but was then fully restored and reopened in 1977.

Plans were submitted to turn the site into a development of luxury flats, but the plans were thrown out and the venue became known for fruit machines and discos.

It reopened in 1984 offering fine cuisine and functions and in 1995 permission was granted for 14 new bedrooms.

It closed in May 2009, with the owners blaming the recession, but reopened under new management 20 days later.