THE latest plans to knock down an old pub dating back more than 100 years and turn it into a children’s nursery have been given the go ahead.

The former Stags Head in Junction Road, which closed in 2011, is set to be partly-demolished and refurbished.

The latest application asks for consent to demolish the front of the building, which is part of the Deane Conservation Area, due to “structual failure”.

A single-storey extension, a modern addition to the pub, and some changes to other elevations of the building have already been approved.

But the front elevation of the former pub is set to be rebuilt to match the existing facade, according to a council report written by planning officers.

It said:  “Previous approval had allowed for some structural rebuilding but the current poor state of the elevation would now require the full frontage to be rebuilt.

“The proposals would rebuild the front elevation to match the original, as well as reinstate sash windows and stone sills.

“The proposals would ensure the continued longevity of the building and its continued presence in the street scene and the conservation area.

“It is thereby considered that the proposals would amount to less than substantial harm to the historic significance of the conservation area.”

This comes after a proposal to turn the building into a children’s nursery was given in the green light in September.

Since then some amendments have been made to the plans for the side extension which would involve increasing the height of the back of the building.

The changes proposed include a “small” increase to turn this part of the property into a storeys with a flat roof.

The other amendment in this latest application is to demolish the front part of the property but rebuild it to match the existing elevation.

The new nursery will be used by children aged two to four and have play areas, welfare accommodation and other facilities for staff.

A separate development of four retail units in the former pub’s car park has also been given the go ahead by the council.

Bolton Council issued a decision notice approving the latest planning application on Friday, April 3.