FULL plans for a derelict pub are imminent as demolition of part of the building has begun.

The Hare and Hounds, at the junction of Great Horton Road and Cooper Lane, has been empty for some time.

But plans, submitted by MGM Property Holdings Ltd, were approved last August to pull down parts of the Grade II listed building, which dates back to the 18th century, that were added in 1995.

The applicant said the additions had “fallen into a state of disrepair following a number of incidents, including fire damage”.

It was added that the removal of these areas would “aid in protecting the original heritage asset from any further damage, subject to the structure being suitably secured” and help “reduce immediate threats to the building from potential anti-social behaviour”.

The Telegraph & Argus visited the former pub on Friday, where a digger was on site and a section of building looked to have been brought down, with brickwork exposed.

A digger on site at the former Hare and Hounds pub, at the junction of Great Horton Road and Cooper LaneA digger on site at the former Hare and Hounds pub, at the junction of Great Horton Road and Cooper Lane (Image: Telegraph & Argus)

Sections or roofing have been removed from the former pub in recent years and the tiling on one of the buildings was almost completely gone on Friday.

MGM Property Holdings Ltd confirmed it had begun its planned partial demolition, in view of the reasons it set out in the application.

The business also told the T&A that a full planning application outlining the vision for the original building and site is due to be submitted in the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for MGM Property Holdings Ltd said: "We are actively consulting and working with our local authority, planners, heritage, councillors, and environmental officers to redevelop the Hare and Hounds.

“All works being completed at present are in accordance with approved planning permissions obtained and are to preserve the main structure and deter further vandalism whilst consultations continue.

“The building has unfortunately been subject to constant vandalism, burglary, fly-tipping and fire damage.

“We are committed to finding a suitable and sustainable redevelopment solution and consultations are ongoing.

“Whilst we cannot discuss specific details at this time, we are in the process of finalizing a full planning application to submit within the next few weeks.

“Our goal is to restore the property, combined with opportunities for local employment, urban regeneration and revitalization of the area".

The approved plans from last year were welcomed at the time by heritage conservation officer, Simon Hinchcliffe, and Councillor Alex Mitchell, who is still in position representing the Queensbury ward for Labour.