A DISUSED pub which it is feared could become a target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour is set to be converted into flats.

The Eagle Hotel on the outskirts of Chorley town centre called time for the final time in 2018.

Papers presented to a meeting of Chorley Council’s planning committee reveal that the Bolton Street hostelry was marketed for sale or rent for over 12 months, but attempts to find a new operator were unsuccessful.

Members were told that a new use for the distinctive building – on one of the main routes into the town centre – would benefit the community and reduce the risk of it attracting the wrong kind of attention.

Committee member Aaron Beaver said that it was “always sad to see yet another pub going and being used for accommodation” – but backed the application.

Fellow member Danny Gee added:  “It’s an ideal to bring a derelict building back into use and it’s regenerating the area.”

The council had not received any objections to the loss of what is classed as a community facility – and planning officers noted that there was another pub continuing to trade next door and several others nearby.

“The retention and conversion of the building would be a positive outcome as the building is one of character and contributes positively to the street scene,” a report to the committee said.

Five two-bedroomed flats will be created in the building, which already offers accommodation on its first floor.

Only five off-street parking spaces will be provided, compared to the 10 required for such a site under the authority’s own local plan.

Principal planning officer Iain Crossland said that the lack of parking was likely to act as “a deterrent to car ownership” for potential occupiers – and that council car parks in the area would be a potential alternative.

The application was unanimously approved.