A not-for-profit organisation that applied to the council for asset of community value status for a Grade-II listed building that was put up for sale earlier this year has failed in its bid.

Langroyd Hall Ltd was set up with the aim of purchasing the old Langroyd Hall in Colne, after it was listed for sale at the beginning of April.

Members of the group tried to secure asset of community value status for it but last week, Pendle Council refused to grant that status. 

An asset of community value is a building or piece of land used to further the social wellbeing or interests of the local community.

Examples of community assets include village shops and pubs.

A decision notice published on the council's website read: "Based on the evidence submitted with the application there was not sufficient evidence to conclude that the property had been used for purposes thayt furthered the social wellbeing of the area.

"The council was also not of the view that there was sufficient evidence to think it is realistic to think that there can continue to be non-ancillary use of the building or other land which will further (whether or not in the same way) the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community in the next five years."

Following the announcement of the sale, a GoFundMe page and a Facebook group was also set up by Colne residents and members of Langroyd Hall Ltd Molly Treen, Andrea Pickles, Brian Whitfield and Alan Whitehead.

Molly said at the time: “We would like to buy Langroyd Hall because it’s so fondly remembered.

“For present and past residents of Colne it holds countless memories.

“Seeing it in its current state is distressing for many people, something just had to be done.

“Learning I wasn’t alone in my thinking we formed a group to try and save Langroyd Hall.

“We all had the same vision to use this stunning hall for the good of the community.”

Langroyd Hall was a popular carvery among many uses in its long history, but had been left to deteriorate after closing some years ago.

A statement submitted alongside the application read: “The way Langroyd Hall has served the community in the past was as a licensed public house/hotel, and we feel that we can continue to provide this social service incorporated in a joint commercial and community venture with profits going back into supporting the community.

“As stated above, as a licensed premises it has served a need of a minority and the majority as is evidenced by its historical trading and ultimate closure, we believe that within five years not only can we bring that social aspect back to the area we can increase its social value by providing much needed community services as will be proven by the production of a full feasibility study.”

A report to Pendle Council’s planning committee said the application failed to satisfy the requirement of the assets of community value regulations for the following reasons and recommended the building not be designated an asset of community value:

  • The property has not been used for a community use in the “recent past”.
  • The owner has obtained planning permission and listed building consent to demolish part of the property and change to residential use. Residential use cannot be listed as an ACV.
  • It is not realistic to think that the property can be used for a community purpose in the next five years.
  • The proposer has failed to provide sufficient evidence of their right to make a community nomination.

The report went on to say the application fell short of providing information that would satisfy the social interest test.