Controversial city pub conversion plans approved

May 22 2008 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

CONTROVERSIAL plans were agreed for the conversion of a prominent 18th century pub into a gastro pub and restaurant.

A month ago, an unprecedented political uproar erupted over moves to defer a decision on the application, put forward at The Ship in Handbridge.

Ahead of the elections to the new Cheshire West and Chester Council, Chester's planning board chairman Cllr Andrew Storrar (Con, Saughall) said he proposed to seek the deferral as there had been “a great deal of interest from the public” and not all councillors had had the opportunity to make a site visit.

Cllr Storrar was forced to fall back on his casting vote to drive the deferral through as Cllr Sandra Rudd (Lab, College) protested: “I really do not like to be gagged at a public meeting.”

Cllr Storrar gave an assurance the application would be debated at the planning board.

At Wednesday's meeting of the board, Handbridge & St Mary's Cllr Stephen Mosley (Con) said councillors had now visited.

“I think in this case a visit was very important as the issues are not black and white,” said Cllr Mosley.

There were “conflicting opinions” about the plans for the future of the boarded up pub which has been closed for the last three years.

Pointing out it is located at a key entrance to the city and to Handbridge, Cllr Mosley commented: “Everybody wants it brought back into use.”

He accepted a number of the issues were not controversial, particularly those affecting the front of the pub, but said the “the key question mark is over the extension at the rear”.

City Council officers had differing opinions and although planning officers believed the first floor, timber framed, brick built extension, with extensive glazing and a slate roof, was acceptable, conservation officers argued it was “very unsympathetic” and would be detrimental to the character of the conservation area.

Cllr Mosley also referred to national planning guidance on development adjacent to open spaces such as Edgar's Field and said there were also conflicting opinions about whether overlooking would be a good thing or a bad thing.

He was also concerned about the effect on a neighbouring property and asked for a window to be fitted with opaque glass.

The pub is located in the Handbridge Conservation Area, opposite a row of a grade II listed buildings, councillors were told in a report.

Earlier plans led to over 100 representations both for and against.

Changes were made and the council had over 50 representations, mostly from people who had previously written in.

Supporters argue the scheme will improve the appearance of the neglected property as it will be brought back into use and will draw more people into Handbridge benefiting nearby businesses.

They believe any overlooking of Edgar's Field will discourage antisocial behaviour and a family friendly bar restaurant will be welcomed.

Objectors insist the design of the proposed extension at the rear of the pub is not appropriate.

They do not accept a bar restaurant should be allowed to overlook a public park as it would reduce the privacy of people using the park .

The change would add to parking problems in Handbridge, they claim and concerns have been raised that customers will spill out into the park and onto Handbridge causing noise and other nuisance to residents.

No objections were raised by the County Engineer who pointed out there are public car parks within walking distance with on street parking available in Handbridge at off peak times.

Planning officers suggest the alterations to the pub will enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.

The change to a bar and restaurant itself does not need planning permission.

They do not believe the alterations will lead to unacceptable noise or antisocial behaviour to Handbridge residents and say Edgar’s Field is already overlooked by a number of properties.

Recommending the application should be approved, they said they could see no planning reasons why approval should not be granted subject to conditions.

“We must go forward and get it occupied but I am against it,” commented Cllr Max Drury (Con, Curzon & Westminster).

City centre Cllr Gwyn Cooper (Lab City & St Anne's) supported the application which had permission on a 9-1 vote with one abstention.