Time called on fight to save historic pub

ICONIC . . . The Jubilee pub in Shaw

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CLOSING time looms for an iconic 170-year-old Shaw pub as a bid to save it from demolition has been turned down.

Historic England ­- the public body that looks after England's historic environment ­- was considering if the Jubilee Inn in 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.

Residents voiced their concerns and two even submitted an application to Historic England to have the landmark building protected and added to the National Heritage List for England.

This would block any plans to demolish the building but the Evening Chronicle now understands the application has been rejected and the building will not be listed.

In a letter to Oldham Council, Cara Organ ­- a listing coordinator with Historic England ­- said: "We have taken into account all the representations made and completed our assessment of the building. Having considered our recommendation, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has decided not to add The Jubilee Inn, Milnrow Road, Shaw, Oldham to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest."

An applicant submitted a representation which draws attention to the pub's links with the historic Jubilee Colliery, which was an important part of the industrial infrastructure of Oldham; then a thriving mill town.

The unnamed applicant highlighted the aesthetic quality of the building, quality of craftsmanship, and use of stone in its construction. They also noted that the relatively low numbers of listed buildings in the area, which they suggest demonstrates significant losses to potential historical assets.

A second applicant responded to re-iterate that they understood the pub was originally constructed on the opposite side of the road and was moved to make way for the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, a point also made in the original applicant's submission.

Interest

Historic England's report states: "After examining all the records and other relevant information and having carefully considered the architectural and historic interest of this case, the criteria for listing are not fulfilled and therefore it is not recommended to list the Jubilee Inn, Shaw.

"The Jubilee Inn, Shaw, of 1845 is not recommended for listing for the following principal reason; interior: the inter-war scheme has been compromised by the opening out and subsequent loss of plan form and loss or alteration of fixtures and fittings relating to this scheme."

Veronica Fiorato, of English Heritage, said: "The Jubilee, while handsome externally, has unfortunately lost a significant proportion of its historic interior, which are important features of listed pubs."

Clements Court Properties now wants to demolish the pub and has submitted an application for planning permission to Oldham Council.