Plans passed for pub site

Fylde Council’s development management committee passed proposals to demolish the Hole In One pub in Forest Drive, Lytham and replace the building with five properties on Wednesday.

The plans had reached the committee after concerns were raised by residents about the new development blocking a pathway used by parents to take their children to Lytham Hall Park Primary School.

Steve Mason, Lytham Hall Park School’s chairman of governors said: “If this is lost more people would use their cars to park near the school.

“This route has been used by residents for more than 30 years.

“I would ask you to protect this route and keep our children healthy and safe.”

It was revealed during the planning meeting an application has been submitted to Lancashire County Council to make the route a right of way – with Fylde councillors agreeing to support the move.

If the county council agree to a change of use for the pathway, which runs behind the pub, into a play area and onto South Park, the developer, Hall Park Properties UK, will have to incorporate any changes into its plans for walkers to use.

Coun Liz Oades said: “I do believe we should condition this to have a right of way.

“At Lancashire County Council I do hope they will listen. We all know the problems at Hall Park.

“They go on and on about the traffic.”

Coun Richard Redcliffe added: “I am disappointed the developer has not managed to incorporate this footpath.

“It would have been a gesture and would have served families in these five houses.

“If we do approve this application and I think we have to, I would say to the developer please bear in mind if this application is successful you would have to accommodate the right of way.”

The pub, which closed around nine months ago, was built in the 1970s and featured a room dedicated to the region’s golfing past, including photos from golf courses including Lytham Green Drive, Fairhaven Golf Club and Royal Lytham and St Annes, currently hosting the Walker Cup.