A hotel and leisure centre described as a ‘the heart of a community’ will be demolished to make way for supported living apartments. There were 127 objections to the plans for Fairways Lodge, in the Sdegley area of Prestwich , but Applicants McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd had their plan to to build a block of 52 retirement apartments approved. Fairways Lodge currently has hotel rooms, function rooms, a bar, in house restaurants, a gym which includes squash courts and supports around 45 jobs.
Many nearby residents said the leisure and social facilities at Fairways would be a massive loss to the community as they would not be replaced. Nearby resident Colleen Carthy spoke to Bury ’s planning committee to oppose the plans. She said: “The Fairways Lodge is more than just a building in our community it’s the heart and soul of our area.
“As a pub, gym, bar and hotel it’s serves as a central hub for social interaction, fitness and hospitality. “It’s where this community gathers to celebrate milestones. How the new development is set to look “Losing it would leave a significant void in our community.
“It would lead to increased isolation particularly for our more elderly and vulnerable residents.” Ward councillor Richard Gold also spoke to oppose the plans. He said: “I’m here to tell you what Sedgley Park and its residents are going to lose.
“There’s no other gym nearby and it’s used all the time by residents. “We will lose a community .