THE FUTURE of a once-popular country hotel hangs in the balance after plans to knock it down and build three houses were re-submitted.

Privately-owned Moorcock Inn Hotel and Resaurant in Slaidburn Road, Waddington, has closed and reopened a number of times under different management over the past 40 years.

It shut its doors for the final time near the end of 2010.

Ribble Valley Council’s planning committee turned down proposals to demolish it on November 11 last year, saying the ‘size of the houses did not meet local need’ and were out of keeping with the rural area.

But the plans are now back on the table for the homes, with three double garages, alongside gard-en and landscaped areas.

Andrew Jackson, who lives in Waddington, said: “I always used to go the hotel for Sunday lunches with my wife and it was a nice place to spend the time. I think the area would really lose some-thing if the building was demolished and I don’t think domestic houses would look right in the landscape.”

Fellow Waddington resident, Pat Fry, said: “I don’t think many people will really miss it because they would have carried on going if they cared so much. It’s only three houses.”

Clitheroe-based Gary Hoerty Associates, who are acting as agents for applicants S and A Thornber, refused to comment. In 1975, the Inn was put into liquidation after losses of £97,500 were revealed. Later that year, the building was gutted by fire, but was then fully restored and reopened in 1977.

Plans were submitted to turn the site into a development of luxury flats, but the plans were thrown out and the venue became known for fruit machines and discos. It reopened in 1984 offering fine cuisine and functions and in 1995 permission was granted for 14 new bedrooms.

It closed in May 2009, with the owners blaming the recession, but reopened under new management 20 days later.