A LANDMARK pub is be transformed into a £3.5 million care home which will create up to 50 jobs.

Woodlands Care Group has applied to Bolton Coun- cil for permission to build the 52-bed home at the Red Lion pub in Wigan Road, Westhoughton.

The pub would be convert- ed into a support facility where between 30 and 50 staff could hold meetings and training sessions and do paperwork.

A 42-space car park at the side of the pub would make way for a two-storey care home.

It would be built in an ‘H’ shape and there would be a large garden area on two sides.

The site would be served by 16 parking spaces, three of which would be for dis- abled motorists.

A maximum of 12 staff will be working on the site at any one time.

A report to the council says: “However sad the loss of an historic public house is, the Red Lion, along with hundreds of public houses, have become victims of changes in society, employ- ment, entertainment and shopping. There is a clear need for additional care accommodation in the area. “The site offers a wonder- ful location for a new care home as it is located in the centre of the town and at the heart of the communi- ty.

“The residential nature of the development, allied to 24-hours staffing, will also add life into the heart of the town as well as providing natural surveillance to the open area, which has been prone to vandalism and tip- ping.”

In the 17th century, the land was a cotton farm owned by Adam Pendle- bury, who died 1608.

It falls within West- houghton Conservation Area, which limits changes that can be made.

The pub dates back to the mid 19th century and was a listed building until 1986.

Westhoughton South Cllr David Wilkinson said: “We only have one care home in the town and there is a need for more.

“I would like to see more parking spaces as there would be doctors, nurses and relatives visiting the residents.”

Woodlands Care Group runs a similar facility in Atherton.

The council is aiming to reach a decision by May 25.