TWO former Rossendale watering holes are set to become housing after developers lodged plans.

Th’Owd Conservative Club, in Bacup, and The Glory, in Loveclough, could each be converted into five flats.

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Limey Valley Residents’ Association, which has held meetings at The Glory, said it will discuss the proposals within the next fortnight.

The Burnley Road venue closed its doors on November 8 last year. And the former Conservative club, built in Irwell Terrace, Bacup, in 1893, has been vacant since 2012.

Great Mitton-based firm Ribble Valley Luxury Homes, which owns The Glory, outlined plans to build three new two-bedroom flats. A pair of existing flats were used by two of the pub’s staff.

Director Stanley Ainsworth said: “I have bought a few pubs over the last 25 years in order to develop them, such as The Railway Hotel in Barnoldswick, and I am confident that the demand will be there in Loveclough.”

In a planning statement, the applicant pointed out that there were still five pubs or social clubs within a 15-minute walk of The Glory.

The statement said: “The building has been offered for sale for more than six months without there being any interest in its continuance as a public house. It will not be possible to retain any part of the building as a public house but there are other such facilities within a quarter of an hour’s walk of the building.”

Catherine Chadwick, who also runs Bacup Hub and St Mary’s Chambers, Rawtenstall, had previously spoken of a desire to turn Th’Owd Conservative Club into a restaurant, bar and community centre with her husband Oliver.

But plans submitted to Rossendale Borough Council want to change the use of the iconic building for residential purposes, with four two-bedroom flats and a one-bedroom studio apartment proposed.

In an access and design statement, Mr Chadwick said: “There is no prospect of the club reopening in its previous form and other uses need to be explored. The property is within the A4 (drinking establishments) use class and it is unlikely that it will be used again for a similar use.

“The appearance of the building makes a significant contribution to the character of the town centre, with its imposing double frontage and fine detailing. Residential use would secure preservation of the building and ensure it is maintained for the future.”