A DERELICT pub plagued by vandals since it was gutted by fire could be replaced with four homes.

The Bradford Arms Hotel, in Bradford Street, The Haulgh, has been empty since fire devastated the first floor more than three years ago.

It was being renovated when a suspected electrical fault caused the blaze in December 2004.

A builder escaped after the radio he was listening to cut out and alerted him to the fire.

The pub has since been targeted by vandals and arsonsists, who last set light to the building in July last year, and has been daubed with graffiti.

Now developers Harry Jackson and Michael Wood, of Farnworth-based Jackwood Leisure, have applied to create four townhouses on the site.

In documents submitted to Bolton Council's planning department, the developer said it wants to demolish the upper floors of the building, retaining the ground floor.

They state: "The existing ridge level will be maintained and due to the height of the existing building the roof space will be used to provide additional accommodation in the roof void.

"Each property will be provided with a small pediment dormer in keeping with similar structures on the street scene.

"The site layout has been designed to ensure the safeguarding of the privacy and residential amenities of the nearby dwellings."

Jackwood plan to landscape the area with shrubs and provide a garage and garden for each home.

However, the development could be hampered after a survey to determine whether endangered bats were roosting at the site revealed one pipistrelle bat in the pub's yard.

Bat consultant Angela Graham recommended that if demolition work goes ahead, effort be made to recreate similar roosting space in the new building.

She said work should stop if any bat droppings are discovered when the building is being dismantled.

People have until Feburary 27 to comment on the proposals.

Bolton Council's planning committee is expected to rule whether the development can go ahead in March.