PLANS to change the use of a town centre pub and nightclub into nine one-bed apartments have been thrown out by Warrington planning chiefs.
The decision leaves the future of the former Friars Court pub and Eden nightclub, in Barbauld Street, in doubt.
Warrington Borough Council planners were told that the pub and nightclub – a venue for local independent bands – had proved to be unviable.
But they decided the location was not suitable for residential accommodation because the majority of apartments would not have sufficient levels of natural light or ventilation for residential accommodation.
They would also be affected by light intrusion, noise and vibration from entertainment uses in the vicinity.
The area is steeped in local history. The site is known to be within the grounds of Warrington Friary, which existed before 1308—possibly as early as 1261—and remained in active use until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539.
There was also evidence of Roman occupation of the area nearby.
However, the earliest available map of the site, from 1772, showed it to be in parkland.
