Blackburn micropub approved despite resident’s personal plea.

Councillors approved a contentious proposal to convert a vacant suburban shop into a new micropub, despite a last-ditch effort by a nearby resident to veto it.

Mick Jackson appeared in person at Blackburn with the Darwen Council planning committee to oppose Gary Doyle’s conversion of a retail unit in Blackburn’s Holly Tree Shopping Parade in Livesey into The Hollytree Tap.

He discussed some residents’ concerns about noise, alcohol-fueled antisocial behaviour, traffic and parking issues, litter, and a possible rat infestation.

At Thursday’s meeting, Mr Jackson, of Linden Lea, told councillors: ‘You wouldn’t want a micropub in your back garden’. Several local residents were present to support him.

Mr Doyle also spoke at the meeting, saying, “It will not be a loud pub.

“It will be a small community pub.” He stated that he and his brother would run it, with a capacity of 50 customers and a menu featuring locally brewed craft beers and lagers, as well as traditional cold bar snacks.

Before the committee voted to approve the scheme, planning manager Gavin Prescott presented a supplementary report that included additional conditions. They included a ban on live or amplified music on the premises; a ban on outside drinking, seating, and tables; and a plan for an outdoor smoking area before the micropub could be built.

Conservative planning spokesperson Cllr Paul Marrow, who, along with his Tory ward colleague Cllr Derek Hardman, voted against the approval, stated, “Normally, I would be all for this type of development.”“Is it in the right place? No, it isn’t.”

He also stated that the location and nature of any smoking area/shelter must be confirmed before making a final decision.

Cllr Saj Ali, 4BwD planning spokesperson, expressed concern about the micropub’s impact on the neighbourhood and local roads before abstaining from the vote, which approved the conversion with opening hours of 12pm to 9.30pm Sunday through Thursday inclusive, and 12pm to 10.30pm Friday and Saturday.

Committee chair Cllr Dave Smith stated, “This is a very modest proposal. “I believe it will blend in.

Following the meeting, Mr Jackson, who has already filed an appeal against a separate council committee’s decision to grant the premises an alcohol licence in June, stated:

“We are clearly very disappointed and disillusioned by this decision. “We do not want a noisy pub on our doorstep or directly beneath our flats.

“The decision made a mockery of the council’s own 300-page Local Plan, completely disregarding parking standards and public health advice.

“In other words, the system is flawed and far from equitable.” At the very least, I now understand how the planning system works—or does not work.”

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