The Old Garage site sits in a prominent location in the heart of the village. The buildings are past their economic life and of limited architectural merit. The responses and results from the 2020 and 2021 Community Consultation, as well as events over the past few years, have very much shaped the proposals for a new community hub that serves the community first, but which also provides information and a focal point for visitors to the area. It is not designed to attract more people to Dunsop Bridge, but rather to provide a service to those who already reside in, or journey to, the village.
A full planning application was approved by Ribble Valley Borough Council in May 2022. Specialist demolition contractors L&W Wilson Ltd started on site earlier this year, but were delayed in completing Phase 1 demolition and clean up works (which includes the removal of redundant underground tanks) due to issues with re-routing the electrical supplies attached to the buildings. Progress with Electricity North West has been frustrating and we cannot proceed with the removal of the old building until a solution has been identified, the correct paperwork received and plans properly documented and approved through the planning system. So, I am sorry to report continual delays to contractors removing the building.
In the meantime, design development is progressing well on the reconstruction phase (Phase 2). Minor variations to planning have been approved and we thank the community for their support.
In summary, the proposal sees the buildings on the Old Garage site removed and the site cleaned up. The replacement building includes a café, shop, post office and community spaces. A change of use at St Georges Church will provide space for additional services for the community e.g. treatment or therapy rooms for a hairdresser, osteopath or beautician with community space/library. The existing commercial unit at Puddleducks will revert to residential use as one of two flats.
Click here to view updated plans for the new community hub building.
The proposals include:
- A small ‘general store’ type community shop and post office to stock daily essentials and local produce
- Space for visitor information on the AONB and surrounding areas (e.g. walks, cycle routes etc.)
- Ease of access for cyclists, wheelchairs, infirm, parents/toddlers/babies, etc.
- Spacious (potentially licensed) café with an outdoor seating area
- Ability to open up the area to the North of the site onto the playing fields and playground and paths, improving connectivity in the village
- Covered external space for shelter with views over the playing fields
- Change of use of the Church to facilitate additional services for the community, e.g. treatment or therapy rooms for a hairdresser, osteopath or beautician
- Additional car parking spaces with electric charging points
- Secure bike racks with e-bike charging points.
11th April 2024
