A LANDMARK Burnley pub that has twice been targeted by arsonists could be demolished if plans are approved.

The Bull and Butcher pub in Manchester Road, which is around 100 years old, closed in 2010 and has been a magnet for vandals in recent years.

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The planning application has been submitted to Burnley Council by the San Marco Group on behalf of the agent Hamaad Anwar at Fletcher Smith Architects.

Planning permission for the site had been initially granted in September 2015 to the San Marco Group for the building to be converted and extended into an Italian restaurant.

There was a view to start work on the site in May 2016, however in April the main two storey element was substantially damaged by a fire.

Another fire also occurred last month in an arson attack.

Councillors believe that there is no option left but to demolish the pub, but hope that the land will still remain used.

Coal Clough with Deerplay ward Cllr Gordon Birtwistle said: “Regrettably the building is badly damaged, there’s no alternative than to demolish it.”

“It’s a shame, it has become an eyesore. It’s a loss to history, thanks to the behaviour of a group of idiots.

“Hopefully something will be built there in keeping with what was there before.”

Fellow councillor Bill Brindle said: “That area is the gateway to Burnley and we need to sell Burnley more than we currently are and to put it on the map.

“We need it to be in keeping with the surrounding area. We had a similar situation Similar situation in Glen View Road, that was demolished and let as derelict land, we can’t let that happen again.”

“It’s just not safe at the moment in my opinion.”

However The barn is a listed building and I’d like to see that remain.”

The planning report identifies that the single-story barn, while damaged, is not in immediate danger of collapse.

However a document submitted to the planning committee states that with the “demolition of dangerous structures it would become isolated and require substantial expenditure to bring it back to a suitable condition.”

The San Marco Group is reviewing its strategy for the site, after they originally intended spending in excess of £3million pounds developing the restaurant.

A spokesman for the applicant said: “It is questionable whether its architectural merit and isolation would justify expensive refurbishment.”

The council is set to make a final decision in the months ahead.