Plans to convert the vacant Grade II listed Reed Hotel in Rochdale town centre into 10 apartments have been approved by Rochdale Council.
The scheme will give the historic building a new residential use after it closed as a pub and hotel in 2024.
Brightwise Properties applied for planning permission and listed building consent to convert the building on Reed Hill into apartments.
The approved plans include replacement sliding sash windows, the removal of an external fire escape and the construction of a single storey extension at the rear.
Planning documents state that council officers worked with the applicant throughout the process to develop a scheme that supports sustainable development while improving the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.
A heritage assessment submitted by Mounteer Limited says the building dates from the late 18th century, although it could have been built in the early 19th century based on its construction and architectural details.
The assessment notes that the property has undergone a number of internal alterations during its life as a public house and hotel, particularly during the 20th century when changing customer needs led to alterations to toilet facilities, bar areas and internal walls.
It adds that the proposed replacement sash windows would better reflect the building's original appearance and that removing the external fire escape would improve its historic character.
The report concludes that while some change is unavoidable, the overall impact on the listed building would be limited and that bringing the vacant property back into use would provide a public benefit through the creation of new homes.
During the application process, Rochdale Council's conservation officer raised concerns about the extent of demolition proposed within the building. Revised plans addressed those concerns before permission was granted.
In the conservation officer's assessment, the Reed Hotel is described as a handsome three storey building that has operated as a hotel for much of its history. Externally, it retains much of its historic appearance through its red brick construction and stone detailing, while a number of original internal features, including staircases, decorative cornicing and joinery, also remain.
The report acknowledges that converting the building into apartments will result in some loss of historic fabric because of the changes required for residential use.
However, it concludes that the building has stood vacant for some time and that a carefully designed conversion provides a viable long term future for the listed property while preserving as much of its historic significance as possible.
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