FEARS that a former pub could be lost forever have been heightened after plans were submitted to make alterations to its living space.

The Red Lion, in Blacksnape, closed in April last year after being sold by brewery Marston’s to Eileen Pickles.

And concerned residents launched a campaign aimed at stopping it being converted into a home, eventually succeeding in having it listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’.

On Thursday, plans to demolish rear outbuildings at the Blacksnape Road venue to construct a balcony supported on stilts will be discussed by Blackburn with Darwen planning councillors. The application has been deferred to the committee because objections were received from the community.

Martyn Skipper, chairman of the Blacksnape Community Group, who lives closest to the building, said: “There are bats in the vicinity and I am reasonably confident there are roosts in the roof, judging by the nocturnal bat activity outside.

“The Red Lion is still an Asset of Community Value.

“If the planned work is intended to make the building ready to be reopened as a pub, we support it.

“If, however, there is any way such modifications could be construed as an attempt to convert the property to residential dwelling by stealth, we would urge great caution.”

Joan Taylor, also of Blacksnape Road, said: “This building has been a public house for many years and is still designated as such.

“I am unsure that a change of use to a private dwelling has been granted, therefore, although this building is in need of repair and renovation, these should be done sympathetically and in keeping with the building’s function as a public house.

“If the motivation is to facilitate a change of use via the back door then I feel it should be strongly opposed.” Planning officers recommended the project be approved and said the plans did not relate to the pub area of the building.

In a report to councillors, officers said: “Concern has been raised over loss of the public house, with the application acting as means to convert the building to a dwelling.

“Submitted drawings refer to retention of the public house at ground floor.”

Property owner Eileen Pickles was unavailable for comment.