The Hare and Hounds pub in Blackburn gets to keep its cafe running after receiving retrospective planning approval.
Ian Robertson, the pub’s landlord, has received permission to continue using his function room. The council approved the function room use back in March 2023. He had previously saved the pub from closing in 2014, and it was considered a valued community spot at the time.
The approval allows the pub to keep using its extension as a cafe and to maintain the timber porch added to the side. This permission followed action from planning officers.
The council granted the cafe its approval, which came with four conditions. One of these conditions prohibits the use of outdoor seats located on land near the pub.
The pub is situated on the east side of Lammack Road, close to Knighton Avenue and Whinney Lane. A rear extension for the pub had been approved previously.
The recent request sought to use the existing rear extension as a cafe and to get approval for the timber porch. This application was submitted following an intervention.
The council sent letters to twenty-eight nearby residents and posted a notice at the site. They did not receive any feedback in response.
Many pubs are currently struggling with financial challenges and facing closure. This plan incorporates a cafe into the pub’s extension, linking the cafe with the existing pub, potentially bolstering its financial health.
The cafe provides new food and drink options, supporting the pub’s financial stability. It may also function as a community meeting place. The extension will also host activities such as bingo.
The timber-paneled porch is small and located on the north side of the extension. Its design is considered fitting for the property.