Applicant says the development could help ‘reduce the rent on the pub to a much more sustainable level’
Artist’s impression of the store next to the existing Royal Oak pub in Neston(Image: StudioPH Architecture)
Planning chiefs are poised to back a new convenience store on the car park of a landmark Neston pub.
Cheshire West and Chester’s planning committee meets next week where it is recommended to rubber-stamp an application on the site of the Royal Oak on Town Lane.
The scheme would see a 348 sq m retail unit built on the eastern part of the existing pub car park, opposite Little Neston’s village green. According to the plans, the shop would function as a ‘small, local food store’ with approximately 15 people being employed.
A design and access statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said it would boost the long-term sustainability of the pub itself.
It said: “The disposal of the site as an investment opportunity raises doubt over the long term viability of the public house, and puts at risk its continued occupancy and operation. Existing rent is high and is proving to be both unaffordable and unsustainable.”
It added: “This application offers the opportunity for the applicant, an established retail development company, to purchase the freehold of the property, make a sustainable investment and consequently both extend the lease and reduce the rent on the pub to a much more sustainable level.”
It said the ‘continued certainty’ and reduction in rent would allow the tenants not only to continue to trade, but make further investment in the pub, including an extension to the kitchen to allow a ‘wider and better menu’.
Neston Town Council has objected to the proposal, while concerns have also been raised by ward councillor Louise Gittins, the current Cheshire West and Chester Council leader, about traffic on nearby roads.
A number of representations were received both in support of and objection to the proposal, with a ‘significant majority’ of comments made in support. A petition made in support was also received. A report to the committee said concerns over parking at the new site would be addressed via restrictions.
It said: “This would restrict the general use of the car park – including by convenience store customers – to 20 minutes, in order to ensure the car park operates safely and to avoid any undue impacts on existing residents.”
It added: “Public house customers would submit their vehicle registration details upon arrival to gain longer use of the car park.”
Built in 1901, The Royal Oak is currently owned by Tavern Propco a Jersey registered company, but has been operated by the existing tenants since September 1991.
Recommending approval, the report said: “The proposal would utilise an existing car park to a create an amenity facility in a logical and sustainable location on the edge of a designated local retail centre.
“It would make a positive contribution to the local economy, facilitating sustainable modes of travel to meet day-to-day needs. These factors weigh in favour of the proposal.”
The meeting takes place next Tuesday, Jan 13, at Ellesmere Port Library.
