A ‘mythical and legendary’ Rossendale pub had become commercially unviable because outlying areas such as Waterfoot are losing trade to food and drink venues in Rawtenstall, a council planning meeting has been told. Planning permission has been granted by councillors to turn the Jolly Sailor pub in Waterfoot into four one-bedroomed flats.
The agent on the project is Ben Edmondson of Edmondson Design Services in Bacup. Pub trade and customer trends were discussed at Rossendale Council’s latest development control meeting.Planning officer Claire Bradley said a number of objections had been received, saying the Jolly Sailor is part of the community and that both pubs in the area trade well.
He said: “Rawtenstall is now seen as a great place for food and drink, which has totally killed outlying areas. The landlord, Matthew has put £25,000 towards keeping the Jolly Sailor open. He and the landlady have tried their best. They were the best landlord and landlady for years. But they could not sustain it.