A PUB whose future seemed secure despite being surrounded by the site of a multi-million-pound Aldi development is now likely to be demolished.

The Cricketers Arms in Coney Lane, Keighley, was due to be retained as part of a scheme to transform the long- empty Alexandra Mills site in the town centre.

The development will see a new Aldi store built on the site, along with a Tim Hortons drive-through and smaller shop units.

The town’s existing Aldi, which is a short distance away, will close once the new store opens.

Part of the planning approval for the development included a guarantee that the Cricketers, which dates back to the 1840s, would be retained.

But since approval for the development was granted, the pub has shut, with the landlords saying it was “no longer a viable business”.

Now Aldi has revealed it has purchased the building and has submitted a planning application to flatten the pub as part of the wider site redevelopment.

The pub was originally known as the Sportsman until Keighley brewery Timothy Taylor’s bought it in 1872 and changed its name.

The premises were taken on by Worth Inns in 1998.

The application by Aldi describes the building as “nondescript” and adds: “The pub ceased trading in March, 2022, following the owner’s confirmation that it was no longer operating as a viable business.

“Following discussions with the then owner, Aldi has secured the option on the vacant building and is seeking its demolition.

“The demolition is twofold – the vacant pub is structurally poor and is likely to fail/collapse following the demolition of the neighbouring buildings as part of the planning permission, and its demolition will allow for more uniform landscaping along the Coney Lane boundary as part of the wider extant retail-led permission.

“The Cricketers Arms is not statutorily or locally listed as a designated heritage asset, it is not located in a conservation area, nor is it recognised as an asset of community value.

“Combined, the vacant public house is not considered worthy of retention, nor does policy prevent its demolition.

“The pub has been vacant for 16 months following its closure based on sustained poor trading performance.

“The pub’s closure has not resulted in the total loss of such facilities in that part of town, with a number of pub/drinking establishments in the immediate area.”

A decision on the application is expected next month.