The Royal Pub in Bolton is more than just a pub — it has been at the heart of our community for generations.

Families have used The Royal for years, including my own. It has been a place where friendships were made, people came together and charity events were held to raise money for local causes. It has been an important social hub for the area and its loss has already had a huge impact.

The Royal has now closed and planning application 01539/26 has been submitted to convert the building into a 12-bedroom HMO for 12 occupants.

We understand that Bolton needs housing, but we believe the loss of The Royal as an important community facility and the impact of a 12-bedroom HMO on the area need to be properly considered.

Residents have concerns about parking, traffic, waste, and already the high number of existing HMOs surrounding the royal, along with the loss of character to the area aswel as it being the last remaining place locally for people to meet. 

We also believe there are important questions around the claim that The Royal was no longer viable as a pub. In 2025, it was still being advertised as a busy, thriving local venue, and we believe this evidence deserves to be properly considered.

We want Bolton Council to refuse planning application 01539/26 and give proper consideration to the community and social value of The Royal.

Please sign our petition and help us.

The Royal is more than a building  and we don’t want to see it become another HMO.