A SERIES of improvements designed to make a popular pub appeal to a wider clientele have been approved by Warrington planning chiefs – despite a warning from a local councillor that it must remain a “good neighbour” to nearby residents.
Cllr Judith Wheeler reminded Warrington Borough Council planners that although the historic, Grade 2 Listed Red Lion, was in the centre of Stockton Heath, it was also close to houses – particularly in West Avenue and Egerton Street.
She said: “Residents do struggle with the noise levels of outside music and complaints have been submitted.
“There is no mention of changes to licensing hours or hours given over to live music, but can this be considered as part of the application?”
Cllr Wheeler also expressed concern about existing floodlighting in the pub’s outside areas.
“The Red Lion is a historic pub in the centre of the village and must ensure it is a good neighbour to its residents,” she said.
The proposals at the pub in London Road are the latest to be submitted by Daniel Thwaites Brewery to widen the appeal of the Red Lion, planners were told.
Although it was trading well, they wanted to secure the landmark pub’s commercial future. Last year they were granted permission to provide new toilets to better serve the beer garden.
Dating from the 1800s, the pub has been altered previously and planners are satisfied the improvements will not harm any areas of historic or architectural significance.
Planners were told the internal refurbishment of the pub was mainly to restore “tired” areas.
External works included the erection of an “events tipi” and repairs to the dilapidated fabric.
The applicant was looking to make the property more attractive to its existing and potential clientele while promoting its external space for a wider range of activities.
