COUNCILLORS look set to pass plans to demolish a pub and construct 30 new apartments.

Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee will meet virtually online on Wednesday evening, April 14.

Among the applications for planning permission set to be ruled on are proposals to bulldoze Chevys Sports Bar in Padgate in order to build a block of flats.

Warrington Guardian:

Chevys Sports Bar - picture by Google Maps

And members have been recommended to approve the scheme for the site at the junction of Manchester Road and Padgate Lane.

Previous known as the Cemetery Hotel, the Good Companions and Formbys and dating back to the 1870s, the pub has been closed since 2017.

In total, 16 formal objections have been lodged against the development – with concerns raised over traffic, parking and the design being out of character.

Residents described the planned building as being ‘like a prison, imposing, bleak and an eyesore’.

Warrington Guardian:

Manchester-based applicant Alderley Holdings Ltd states that the cost of repairing the pub would be up to £750,000.

Original designs have been amended to reduce the number of residential units from 34, with the drawings including 32 car parking spaces.

Submission documents stated: "It is clear to see that the building is in a state of disrepair and would require a considerable amount of modernisation and refurbishment in order for it to be brought back into use as a public house.

"The scale and layout of the building would be unlikely to suit a commercial use, specifically when there are more modern, purpose-built facilities within the locality.

"In relation to the loss of a community facility, the application site has been closed and unavailable as a community facility for approximately three years and was closed due to illegal activities and anti-social behaviour.

"There are several other pubs and eateries locally and as such, the change of use of the site would not restrict the area of such a facility."

"Additional accommodation will bring more people to the area, thereby assisting the continued vibrancy and regeneration of the locality with more people to utilise the local services, facilities and shops."