End of an era for iconic pub?

ICONIC . . . The Jubilee pub in Shaw

CONTROVERSIAL plans to replace an iconic 170-year-old pub with houses have divided local opinion.

The landmark Jubilee Inn, on the tight Milnrow Road bend on the outskirts of Shaw, dates back to the 1840s. The building which once stood on the other side of the road, was moved brick-by-brick to its current plot in 1863 to accommodate the railway from Oldham to Rochdale.

Clements Court Properties now want to demolish the pub — dormant for several years — to make way for eight homes.

Shaw resident Elaine Stott said: “It would be such a pity if the building was demolished to make way for yet more houses. The pub has been an iconic building for many years and was a popular place for dining out or just a quiet drink. It’s not a very good place for houses either.”

Dawn Bardsley said: “I used to work there. Why do they keep demolishing all the nice buildings to put up faceless Lego-style houses?”

There were plans to reopen the building as a pub two years ago but they fell through.

If permission is granted, developers plan to build four semi-detached houses and a row of four terrace homes on the site.

Councillor Howard Sykes, leader of the Lib-Dem opposition on Oldham Council and councillor for Shaw, says the building has become an eyesore.

“It had a residential use before so, providing access and traffic issues are dealt with, it would make sense,” he said.

The plans will be presented before Oldham Council’s Planning Committee in the coming months.