NEW flats behind a former Farnworth pub are the “final piece in the jigsaw” in the regeneration of the site where “Britain’s toughest pub” once stood.

Plans have been revealed for the car park of the former Flying Shuttle pub which was shut down by Bolton Council in 2012 after evidence of drug taking, arson attacks and staff too scared to tell customers to leave was uncovered.

A total of 12 flats could be built on the land behind the notorious pub building in Highfield Road which has since been turned into a convenience store.

The man behind the new residential scheme has already converted the first floor of the store into five flats, according to planning agents Martin Planning.

A spokesman said: “The proposal for 12 apartments provides the final piece in the jigsaw in the regeneration of the site of the former Flying Shuttle pub following its closure in 2012.

“The land where it is proposed to build the flats is to the rear of the Premier store and was previously used as a car park to the former pub before it closed.

“Whilst it has most recently been used to park commercial vehicles it has generally remained unused.

“The proposal provides the opportunity to improve the appearance of the land and will offer much needed affordable housing for local people.

“Subject to receiving planning permission the applicant would hope to commence the works on site before the end of the year.”

A Nisa Local supermarket opened at the former Flying Shuttle around two years after an officer described it as a pub “not even John Wayne could run”.

Regulars targeted the site in a series of arson attacks after the pub closed.

Two blocks of accommodation, each two storeys in height, could now be built at the pub’s former car park.

The plans feature two one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments.

Communal amenity space with landscaping would be provided as part of the development as well as off street parking.

The planning application has been submitted after “positive” pre-application discussions with the council about the principle of the proposal.

The design was revised to take on board comments from planning officers so fewer units are now proposed to allow for more amenity space on the site.

Planning officers are due to decide the outcome of the application by August.