Derelict pub up for sale ten years after devastating fire

By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 23rd Jun 2025

The George & Dragon is up for sale (Credit: Rightmove/Greenham Commercial)
The George & Dragon is up for sale (Credit: Rightmove/Greenham Commercial)

A fire-ravaged pub has been put up for sale.

The George & Dragon on Rainow Road has appeared for sale on the property website Rightmove.

Open to offers in the region of £450,000, the former pub is marketed as a 'redevelopment opportunity' suitable for 'residential transformation'.

The listing adds: "The building is now available for purchase and would benefit from a thoughtful redevelopment scheme.

"Initial feasibility assessments suggest that the site is suitable for the construction of four modern, three-bedroom townhouses, catering to growing demand for family-oriented residential homes in the area."

The George & Dragon, at 61 Rainow Road, has been shut since a fire in January 2015.

In 2020, plans to demolish the pub and build five homes in its place were submitted to Cheshire East Council.

However, following concerns raised by residents and organisations such as Historic England, the application was formally rejected in September 2022.

In a report recommending refusal, case officer Matthew Keen described the proposal as 'inappropriate development in the green belt'.

He added: "The loss of the non-designated heritage asset would cause harm to the Higher Hurdsfield Conservation Area and any benefits of the proposal would not overcome this harm.

"The proposal would also have an overbearing impact and cause a loss of light to the dwellings at 53-59 Rainow Road."

The listing which appeared on Rightmove in the last week notes that any redevelopment is subject to planning consent.

It adds: "Prospective buyers are encouraged to consult with local planning authority Cheshire East to explore the potential of this property as a residential development site."

     

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