PLANS have been drawn up for a micro-brewery as the next phase of the redevelopment of Glazebury’s community pub – the historic Raven Inn.
An application has been submitted to Warrington Borough Council for the upper floor to be converted into a micro-brewery and bar.
The lower floor would continue as a community pub.
Applicants The Raven Partnership say: “Whilst we wish the community pub could be continued throughout the whole building, unfortunately this is unfeasible.
“Therefore we have proposed the top floor to be renovated into a micro-brewery and ‘tap room’ to help support the economic future of the pub.”
The ‘tap room’ would be an informal bar area for drinking to complement the existing pub – a bar, rather than a lounge offering meals. It would also serve as a function room, suitable for small events such as folk evenings.
The proposed development would have a negligible impact on the surrounding area or street scene as it would be local at the rear of the building.
“The proposal should enhance the existing beauty of the Raven Inn by providing a sympathetic extensions extending existing roof profiles and external appearance.”
The Raven has a long history, dating back to the mediaeval period. Earliest evidence of the building’s history has been narrowed down to the 15th century when it was a water mill, before being repurposed as an inn around 1562.
The pub was purchased by the local community in April 2922 after a controversial plan to demolish the building and redevelop the site for housing caused a local uproar.
The new proposal is now being considered by borough council planning officers.
A spokesperson for the Raven Inn said: “The Raven Inn Community Benefit Society is currently studying the planning application made on behalf of George Shaw Brewery.
We are also consulting with our shareholders. We will respond in due course.”
