A DERELICT Radcliffe pub could be bulldozed to make way for a vets surgery.

An application has been submitted to Bury Council to demolish the old Swan Hotel in Stand Lane, and to build a one-storey vets and adjoining car park in its place.

Applicant Alcock Veterinary Services, who run Beech House Veterinary Surgery in Stopes Road, Radcliffe, own the 0.04 hectare site.

In November 2017, Bury Council's planning committee unanimously approved their application for the change of use of the hotel into a vets surgery involving a refurbishment and conversion.

However, surveys and investigations have since found that the pub building, which has laid empty since its closure in 2013, has become too dilapidated and dangerous for development.

This new application seeks approval to demolish the pub and build a new surgery from scratch.

The application document reads: "The proposed scheme is for a single-storey building of render/brick and a flat roof. The design of the building is simple in nature but is intended to provide corporate consistency with the applicant's existing practice building.

"The activity generated by the proposed development would be limited in its impact on the

neighbouring residents.

"In contrast, a public house on the site would be open minimum 11am to 11pm and be considerably

more intrusive in terms of noise, traffic and people. Therefore the new use of the site will be quieter

than the previous use.

"The proposal will remove the eyesore and health and safety hazard of the existing pub."

Under plans, the company would employ five full-time and two part-time members of staff.

The building would comprise a reception and waiting area, consultation rooms, a preparatory room and operating theatre.

There would also be hardstanding parking space for seven vehicles, with the site surrounded by the existing green security fencing, and access from Stand Lane.

Proposed opening hours would be between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm on Saturdays and 10am until 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Bury Council leader Rishi Shori, who represents Radcliffe West, said: "I think this is tremendous news. The Swan has been in a state of disrepair for some considerable time and I have been concerned that it could pose some danger to the public, given its crumbling state.

"The proposed new use is incredibly exciting — to have another high quality business expanding and doing so well within Radcliffe is a huge positive."