A CLOSED Victorian pub which has been branded an eyesore in a Ribble Valley village could be saved for future use if plans are approved in the New Year.

Pendle Hotel in Clitheroe Road, Chatburn, was constructed in 1846 but was forced to close five years ago when trade dwindled.

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Now a bid has been launched to reconstruct part of the original structure into a house.

In 2011, plans were approved to change the use of the former pub into a beauty salon and hairdresser on the ground floor and residential accommodation on the remaining floors.

The plan also included the construction of two extensions to the rear and was supported by Chatburn Parish Council.

A further application in 2012 was approved to also provide space for dentistry.

The latest plan was submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council by Jim Harrison and Craven Design Partnership in Burnley is acting as the agent for the proposal.

It is expected that The Beauty Boutique will move into the building next month from its existing premises in Sawley Road.

Paul Whittaker, chairman of the parish council, said: “The building has become a bit of a an eyesore over the last few years.

“It’s great that a local business is working to bring the building back into use and I hope that it will bring more business, trade and jobs to the area.

“When the railway bridge was being dismantled a number of years ago that access to the village was blocked at that end of Chatburn and people were forced to come into the village another way.

“That impacted on the pub’s trade quite a bit and it closed not long after.

“It would be great for it to be in use again because it’s such a big building and has quite a presence in the village.

“The Beauty Boutique are working hard to get the project finished.”

The latest plan for the former pub is due to be discussed by the council next year.

No-one from The Beauty Boutique or Craven Design Partnership was available for comment.

The Pendle Hotel was one of three pubs in the village, the Black Bull and the Brown Cow.

The Black Bull was taken over by couple Paul and Karen Smith last year who installed a new kitchen, repairing the roof and renovating the interior following decay over the years.

It is expected that the Pendle Hotel will not return to being a public house.