After-time?

ICONIC . . . The Jubilee pub in Shaw

ALL may not be lost for an iconic 170-year-old Shaw pub, as plans to demolish it for housing could be halted if it becomes a listed building.

Historic England - the public body that looks after England’s historic environment - has confirmed that it is currently considering whether the Jubilee Inn on Milnrow Road warrants Listed Building status.

In March, the Evening Chronicle reported that plans have been submitted to demolish the long-derelict old pub, which dates back to the 1840s, to build four semi-detached houses and a row of four terrace homes on the site.

Local residents were quick to contact the Evening Chronicle to voice their concerns and someone has since submitted an application to Historic England to have the building protected and added to the National Heritage List for England.

This would block any plans to demolish the building.

A Historic England spokesperson said: “I can confirm that the former Jubilee Inn on Milnrow Road is currently being assessed for listing.

“We actively consult the applicant, owner, local planning authority and other relevant parties when assessing the building against the criteria for listing. Our recommendation will then go to the government where a final decision will be made.”

The landmark Jubilee Inn, on the tight Milnrow Road bend on the outskirts of Shaw, once stood on the other side of the road but was moved brick-by-brick to its current site in 1863 to accommodate the railway from Oldham to Rochdale.

Clements Court Properties now want to demolish the pub - dormant for several years - and have submitted an application for planning permission to Oldham Council.

The local resident who submitted the application to Historic England, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “The building dating back to 1845 is testament to the importance of the industrial revolution upon which made Oldham a thriving mill town.

“It has links with the former jubilee colliery, and therefore it is of key significance to local history and should suitably be afforded the benefit of Listed Building status.

“The iconic building has stood proud on Milnrow Road, and acts as a key landmark. It is of a beautiful traditional stone construction, and period features that are symbolic of heritage properties.

“It’s loss would be a travesty. It should be protected.”

When approached in March for his thoughts on plans to demolish the Jubilee Inn, Councillor Howard Sykes, leader of the Lib-Dem opposition on Oldham Council and councillor for Shaw, said the building has become an eyesore.

He said: “It is currently an eyesore and has been for some time now. It had a residential use before so providing access and traffic issues are dealt with it would make sense. However, what I do hope is this is not just an application of a speculative basis and we will still have this eyesore and blot on a main gateway into Shaw in another 12 months.”

If members of the public would like to share their views on the pub with Historic England, they are welcome to do so but it is understood that this must be done within the next two weeks.

It takes, on average, six months from receiving an application to the final recommendation. However, if the building or site is under threat this time-scale will be reduced.

More details about the process and how to submit views on the Jubilee Inn can be found at www.historicengland.org.uk/listing