Demolition work starts on derelict hotel

Demolition of the Bear Hotel in Darwen is due to start on Monday.

The building has been vacant for nearly five years, becoming almost derelict as a result of a fire around three years ago.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has worked closely with the owner to ensure that the eyesore was removed.

The authority has now given permission for the building to be knocked down.

It is proposed that the site is redeveloped for 33 family dwellings.

The work is expected to take four weeks.

There is only outline planning permission at present and the prospective house builder would have to submit further details for future determination relating to access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “I am glad that this building is finally being demolished. It has become an eyesore which residents have wanted to see tackled for some time. We have worked closely with the owner to ensure that the site was kept safe and the issue was resolved.”