Graeme Philips is seeking to repurpose the historic Angel Inn located at 80 Accrington Road in Burnley. His proposal involves converting the ground floor of the building into a furniture workshop, while he plans to reside in the flat above. This transformation requires approval from Burnley Council, and Philips has submitted a formal application seeking planning permission for the conversion.
The Angel Inn holds significant historical value, dating back to the 1800s. Situated at the junction of Accrington Road and Burnham Gate, the pub occupies a prominent position near three key gateway areas for Burnley. Over the years, the Angel Inn has gained recognition, in part, for its association with football fans of Burnley Football Club, adding to its cultural significance within the community.
The proposed development seeks to repurpose the existing pub space into an antique furniture repair workshop. This transformation would involve converting the interior to accommodate the storage of materials and the execution of various processes required for mending and restoring furniture items. Philips emphasizes that all operations within the workshop will be conducted using hand tools and small machines, with no plans to utilize large or industrial machinery. Additionally, he intends to personally oversee the workshop’s activities, ensuring that it operates in line with his vision for the space.
In terms of logistics, the proposed conversion includes plans to remove the existing external seating area located at the rear of the Angel Inn. This adjustment is necessary to facilitate the smooth transportation of antique furniture items into the building for repair purposes. Philips underscores that the scale of the proposed workshop operation will be modest, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
The decision to pursue the conversion of the Angel Inn stems from its closure in April 2023. Despite efforts to market the property as a traditional pub, declining revenue and changing market dynamics rendered it financially unsustainable. Philips asserts that the lack of interest in operating the building as a pub, combined with the availability of alternative pub options in the area, underscores the need for a change in land use to ensure the building’s continued viability.
Furthermore, Philips believes that repurposing the Angel Inn into an antique furniture workshop aligns with broader economic and urban development objectives. By diversifying the local economy and repurposing underutilized spaces, such as the Angel Inn, communities can revitalize their urban fabric and create new opportunities for sustainable economic growth. The proposed conversion represents a strategic investment in the local built environment, with the potential to enhance the overall street scene and contribute positively to the neighborhood’s character.
In submitting the planning application, Philips seeks to address community concerns and garner support for the proposed conversion. He emphasizes the low-key nature of the operation and the potential benefits it could bring to the area. Through transparent communication and engagement with local stakeholders, Philips aims to build consensus around the proposed project and demonstrate its alignment with broader community interests and aspirations.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to approve the planning application lies with Burnley Council, which will assess the proposal based on various criteria, including its impact on the local built environment, heritage considerations, and community feedback. As the application undergoes review, Philips remains committed to working collaboratively with the council and other stakeholders to ensure that the proposed conversion of the Angel Inn into a furniture workshop meets the highest standards of urban design, heritage preservation, and community engagement.