Pub extension may have to be torn down

A PUB landlord at Warrington may have to tear down an extension which he had built without planning consent – even though he is only seek temporary permission for 12 months.
More than 370 people have signed an online petition supporting him, including people from as far away as Australia.
But Town Hall planning chiefs are recommending that the application in respect of the Grade 2 Listed King’s Head, in Winwick Street, Warrington, should be refused.
An enforcement notice has already been served on the applicant because of work carried out in contravention of Listed Building regulations.
He has appealed – and the outcome of his appeal is expected no later than the end of March
A report to be considered by the borough council’s planning committee on Wednesday says the applicant is seeking temporary consent to allow time to have talks with planners with the aim of securing a high-quality, long term solution to problems at the pub.
But officers say they have been in discussions with the applicant since March last year but have made little or no progress
The extension takes the form of a conservatory at the rear of the building. Planners say it fails to preserve the buildings, its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest.
“The scale, design and construction of the extension is at odds with the listed building to which it is attached” they say.
Retaining the extension even for 12 months would result in decay to the fabric of the historic pub.
Supporters of the scheme say the building, including the conservatory, is an important asset to the local community.
The 378 people who have signed the petition come from Warrington, Australia, Nottingham, Manchester, Leicestershire, Swinton, Merseyside, Barnsley, Staines and Oldham.
The petition makes no reference to the pub being a Listed Building.
Pictured (right): The extension, shown in relation to the Listed Building and (left) the pub itself.