Is Longridge set to get its first micro bars/pubs?

Two such licensed premises are being planned - one for Berry Lane and the other for Derby Road.

Plans for each have been submitted to Ribble Valley Council in recent weeks and both premises are currently vacant.

The first is for the change of use from A1 (retail) to A4 (licensed premises) for a micropub at 36A Derby Road which was previously used as a computer shop and photographer’s studio.

The second is for the change of use from A1 retail to A4 (drinking establishment) microbar and includes converting the existing internal rear

door to a fire door at 4 Townley Parade, Berry Lane.

Within documents submitted for the Derby Road micro pub, by Peace Townsend, of Rowland Street, Skipton, she states the micropub would be “a small, one-room public house providing a warm and friendly atmosphere for people to meet and chat over a drink.”

It would not be a standard pub, but “more reminiscent of a traditional neighbourhood public house where people socialise and strengthen community ties.”

She adds: “Micropubs are often small scale and aimed at limited numbers of customers at one time. They serve real ale from microbreweries - often locally sourced - with good wine and soft drinks and limited snacks such as nuts and crisps. Micropubs do not serve draught lager, alcopops, spirits or cocktails and there will be no jukebox, no regular music, no amplified music or speech, no television nor fruit machines.”

It is estimated the micropub would have room for up to 30 customers at peak times.

Mrs Nicola Crosby, of Oakland Villas, Kestor Lane, Longridge is applying for the change ofuse of 4 Townley parade, which lies between an estate agents and dry cleaners.

She states it would serve upto 60 people and would be “small and simple, serving quality ales and beers. Again, there would be no loud music.