Thomas Egerton Pub planning application after enforcement notice

Management at the Thomas Egerton, in the village of Egerton, north of Bolton, have submitted a retrospective planning application for  the structure, in the rear beer garden.

It seeks to retain timber wall cladding installed last year under an existing canopy at the Blackburn Road pub restaurant.

The cladding, enclosed the walls of an outdoor area which the management said ‘has long formed part of the pub’s established beer garden’.

A planning statement in support of retaining the structure has been published on Bolton council’s planning portal by 8planning.

It said the cladding works were carried out without prior planning approval, ‘as the landlord was unaware permission was required’.

The statement added: “An enforcement notice is currently in effect on the site, prompting this retrospective application to regularise the development and seek permission to retain the cladding.

“This statement sets out the justification for granting retrospective consent, demonstrating that the proposal causes no harm to amenity or heritage and aligns with local and national planning policies.”

The statement said the timber cladding was added by the landlord to enclose and warm an outdoor seating area.

Previously, a portion of the beer garden was covered by a permanent roofed canopy which was open-sided.

Last year timber cladding was installed on the interior walls under the canopy, enclosing the space to create a weather-protected alcove.

The statement added: “The covered area provides a comfortable, dog-friendly environment for patrons to eat and drink outdoors as dogs are not allowed inside the main pub, thereby helping the pub retain and attract customers.

“In doing so, the proposal supports the ongoing viability of the pub as a valuable community asset, as public houses perform a vital function in local communities .

“The Thomas Egerton is a popular social hub for the area. “No change of use has occurred – the space remains in use as a seating and drinking are as it always has, but is now simply made more usable year-round.”

Planners in Bolton will consider the application in the coming weeks.