Belthorn restaurant at risk of demolition for housing plan

A planning application has been submitted by the building's owner to knock down the former Pack pub on Elton Road in Belthorn - now run as The Marco Polo Pizzeria - and build four 'mews houses'.

But the current tenant Federico Calore is hopeful that his restaurant can weather the storm.

In the plans, the landlord Adam Chapman said the Italian had struggled to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and wants to flatten the old pub to make way for homes.

Mr Calore said: "I am aware of the planning application. It is a plan B for the landlord if the business fails.

"Of course were are struggling after Brexit, and Covid and with the war in Ukraine.

"I am concerned, but I am 100 per cent hopeful I can turn the restaurant round over the next six to seven months. I need financial support and support from locals."

Local politicians have reacted with disappointment at the news the well-known hospitality venue could be lost to the area.

Its latest Italian restaurant incarnation was launched in March 2020 shortly before the first coronavirus lockdown.

The application for the new homes to Hyndburn Council is by the building's owner Adam Chapman, of AC Investments Ltd of St Thomas's Road, Chorley.

In the plans, it says: "Demolition of existing restaurant and the construction of four mews houses.

"Justification for application: restaurant has struggled to recover after Covid pandemic due to rising labour and food costs."

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents Oswaldtwistle on Lancashire County Council, said: "I would be very disappointed to see this happen.

Federico Calore, owner of Marco Polo

"The Pack has been a noted restaurant for many years. It would be blow to local residents if it were to disappear.

"It has been a destination not just for Belthorn and Hyndburn but for East Lancashire as a whole for decades.

"I would hope that even at this late stage it could be saved."

St Oswalds ward's Cllr Marlene Haworth said: "It would be very sad of these premises close.

"I've had a few good nights there in the past. It was a very good pub in its heyday.

"It has been very difficult for businesses lately - especially those in hospitality.

"Its loss would be felt not just by Belthorn but by the community across East Lancashire."

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: "It's always sad to see another restaurant or pub close.

"We need that leisure provision across the borough. Businesses have suffered under Covid and lockdown and now we have inflation so people will be cutting back on going out."