Thornton pub could be set for demolition

The Burn Naze, on Gamble Road, closed unexpectedly towards the end of 2019.

In December 2019, former owner of the building, Trust Inns, said it was "attempting to contact the existing licensees to resolve the situation," but since confirmed the pub was sold to "an undisclosed buyer" in November 2020.

An application has now been lodged by Manchester-based housing firm Mangrove Estates to knock the building down.

In September last year, concerns about increased fly-tipping on land surrounding the pub were reported online, when bins filled with plastic waste, wooden panels and household furniture were found dumped on the site.

Bourne ward councillor Howard Ballard said he had also raised concerns about fly-tipping in the area, and hoped that the demolition of the building would not exacerbate the issue.

"My only concern with the pub being demolished is fly-tipping," Coun Ballard said.

"A big open space could mean more people decide to fly-tip on there - but it has been quite an eyesore for a while now, so something needs to be done with it.

"It's been used as a bit of a local den and it needs sorting out."

Mangrove Estates could not be contacted to comment on whether the site has been earmarked for housing.

Coun Holly Swales welcomed the potential for more housing in Thornton, but said she was concerned about parking.

She said: "I welcome affordable, decent housing as that has a positive impact on the area.

"However, there is a parking issue around there, so I wouldn't want to add to that problem.

"I think they have a problem with traffic around there, so I'm in favour for decent affordable housing, but maybe they need to look at some measures which are not going to have a negative impact on residents who wish to park outside their homes."

Last week, an application for 210 new homes on land near the Burn Naze, on the former ICI site off Bourne Road, was unanimously approved by council planners.

The affordable homes scheme from applicant Breck Homes will see 85 one-bed, 53 two-bed, 66 three-bed and six four-bed properties built on the site.

Nearby, the Hawley Gardens estate, also off Bourne Road, has been plagued with traffic issues, with residents complaining they had been left waiting more than eight years for the road to be made safer.

County Councillor Andrea Kay spoke up for the residents, calling for improved lighting and a better footpath on Bourne Road.

And Thornton Cleveleys Football Club is also set to move into Gamble Road, after its Bourne Park ground on Bourne Road was set to be redeveloped for housing.

TCFC moved out of the Bourne Road ground last month, and will move into a £1 million complex on Gamble Road, adjacent to Fleetwood’s Poolfoot Farm training base.