PLANS to create a new orangery at the front of a run-down pub in Astley Bridge have been approved — as work to transform the building gathers pace.

Developer Nick Howcroft is developing the former Three Pigeons Pub into the Henighans Mediterranean restaurant and bar as well as creating seven apartments in the rear of the building.

He has now been granted permission by the council to create an orangery at the front of the Georgian building where drinkers and diners will be able to sit out.

Mr Howcroft, who also owns Henighans in Little Lever and Hennighans Bury Road in Ainsworth is hoping to complete work on the new complex by next June.

He bought the closed-down Astley Bridge site back in 2011 and secured planning permission for the bar, restaurant and apartments plan before work stalled following a number of setbacks.

Earlier in the summer, Mr Howcroft told The Bolton News that work was set to start again on the project, delighting local residents, including councillor Hilary Fairclough, who have long hoped for the eyesore building to be developed.

The permission for the orangery represents the next stage in the project and was a late-addition to the developer’s vision.

He said: “I recently came up with the idea of building a Georgian orangery at the front of the building — I think it will be fantastic to sit in it on a sunny day.”

The accepted plans state that the orangery, which will replace the current portico entrance, will be in a Georgian style to match the style of the pub, with a colour and style that complement the renovated building.

The external patio area will be paved in stone and have planters with soft landscaping designed by a landscape architect.

Mr Howcroft has previously stated that the Astley Bridge project is now his top priority.