The Lever Arms, a pub in Darcy Lever, Bolton, that has been vacant since 2020, could be transformed into a cafe. New plans have been submitted to Bolton Council, proposing a change of use for the building on Top O' Th' Lane.
History of the Site
The pub has seen several failed redevelopment attempts, including a proposal in October last year to convert it into flats. A former councillor previously described the building as 'beyond repair' and an 'eyesore'.
The New Proposal
The latest plan, validated on Monday, involves alterations to the building's windows, as reported by The Bolton News. A justification statement accompanying the application argues that the cafe would generate less noise than the pub did, as it would focus on seated dining without entertainment or drinking-led activities.
The statement says: "The premises have historically operated as a public house, which generated customer activity, vehicle movements, and associated noise throughout the day and evening. The proposed café use is expected to generate a lower level of noise than the previous public house use, with activity focused on seated dining and without entertainment, drinking-led activities, or other sources of elevated noise."
It adds: "As such, the proposal is not anticipated to give rise to any additional or unacceptable noise impacts on neighbouring properties."
Decision Timeline
The application was received by the council on June 29 and validated on Monday. A decision is expected by September 28.
