CONCERNS were raised by residents when alterations were proposed at a large conservation area pub.

The application was made at The Wheatsheaf Inn, Neston Road, Ness, by brewer Daniel Thwaites.

The company told planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council it was seeking approval for a smoking shelter facing the pub car park and an outside drinking area with four tables around the front entrance.

A new door would avoid the need for customers to reach a rear drinking area through dining space and a drinking area at the rear would be relaid and a jumbrella installed.

The pub, at the corner of Neston Road and Well Lane is surrounded by residential properties, according to a report.

No comments were made by Neston Town Council and there were no objections from the borough council’s environmental protection and conservation specialists.

Nearby occupiers said they were concerned about noise and other issues.

The smoking shelter would not be readily visible from the conservation area, planners believed.

The shelter and the proposed door, which would replace a window, would not be harmful to its character and overall they felt the alterations were acceptable.

They did not feel the smoking shelter would be unduly detrimental to nearby homes and pointed out the outdoor drinking area at the rear was already established. The number of tables would be reduced.

The new outdoor drinking area at the front did not require permission.

The application was recommended for approval and the borough council agreed the proposed alterations could be accepted.