PLANS have been lodged to build new homes on the site of a former pub ravaged by fire.

In 2016, 30 firefighters had to be drafted in from across Lancashire to extinguish the fire at the former Bull and Butcher pub in Manchester Road, Burnley which saw the roof cave in and an entire floor collapse.

The deliberate fire at the pub caused extensive damage to the building including structural damage and took several days to get under control.

The pub has since been knocked down and now plans to breathe new life back into the site have been revealed.

Now Preston-based developer San Marco Group, who had hoped to turn the pub into an Italian restaurant prior to the fire, has lodged plans with Burnley Council proposing to build 20 new homes on the site.

The pub has now been demolished, with only the hardstanding associated with the base of the building and car park remaining. The remainder of the site comprises vacant agricultural land to the west of the former pub site.

In 2013, planning permission was refused for a residential development of 10 homes on land to the rear of the pub.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application reads: "As this is an outline application, no detailed proposals concerning materials and appearance have been prepared. "Nevertheless, it is anticipated the houses will be of a design and appearance in keeping with the character of the local area and using appropriate materials.

"The proposals would see the development of a parcel of land which benefits from clear links to the settlement of Burnley, in a location characterised by residential development.

"The scheme would deliver up to 20 new dwellings, of which the scale and appearance will be saved for a future reserved matters submission.

"Given the nature of the scheme as a major development project, it is considered more than likely that before and during construction, the development would contribute to the local economy directly through the employment of local companies to facilitate the builds.

"This would include planners and architects/designers as part of the reserved matters process, local contractors involved in the physical build and the local supply chain through the provision of materials.

"Once occupied, new residents of the proposals would use and support the growth of local services.

"It is considered that the proposed development would therefore assist in achieving the economic aims of sustainable development."