Proposal for neglected pub to become eight-bed HMO

A derelict pub should be converted into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) due to the "structural decline of the pub sector", according to a planning application.

A proposal to convert the former New Virginia Tavern on Rushton Road in Thornbury into housing has been submitted to Bradford Council.

Developer ADA Rentals Ltd plans to change the use of the ground floor into an eight-bed HMO. The upper floors are already classed as residential.

A decision on the plan is expected in the summer.

The pub, which more recently was known as The New Ginny Tavern, is in a state of disrepair.

Last month emergency services were called to a fire in the car park behind the building, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

ADA Rentals said the site was not viable as a pub, and said there had been very little interest from anyone willing to run it.

It cited the decline of the pub sector, quiet area and layout of the building as additional reasons.

"Changing consumer habits and rising operating costs have led to a sustained reduction in traditional pub viability," the application said.

"The property has remained vacant, demonstrating no realistic demand for continued pub use.

"As such, the loss of the public house use is fully justified and policy compliant."

The plans show that there would be eight bedrooms with two bathrooms shared between them.

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