Westhoughton pub White Lion submits plans to improve safety

The White Lion in Westhoughton has submitted proposals to the council for a rear extension and alterations to its car park to make deliveries safer and more accessible.

The pub, at 2 Market Street, sits at the junction of Market Street, Bolton Road and Mill Street, close to Bolton Council offices and Westhoughton Library.

Among the proposals is the widening of access to the pub’s rear car park. Planning documents state this would allow brewery dray lorries to make deliveries from within the car park rather than parking near the junction.

The applicant says the change would reduce disruption at the crossroads and create a safer situation for pedestrians using the footpath and drivers navigating the junction.

No additional parking spaces are proposed, with the existing 38 spaces retained.

The application also seeks permission for a single-storey rear extension to create a new cellar.

The proposed plans if approved by the council (Image: Bolton Council)

According to submitted documents, the current below-ground cellar is subject to repeated flooding, leading to the loss of stock.

The proposed extension would provide a replacement cellar at ground level.

The works would add around 35 square metres of internal floorspace.

The White Lion dates from the early 19th century and was granted Grade II listed status in February 2016.

It retains a number of historic features, including decorative 1920s tiling, etched glass screens and original fireplaces.

The rear extension would be built in blockwork with a rendered finish to match the existing building, along with a slate roof and timber doors.

Planning documents state the design is intended to avoid harm to the main elevations facing Market Street and Bolton Road.

An acoustic assessment has also been submitted in relation to two proposed condenser units to be installed externally at the rear of the new cellar.

The report concludes that predicted plant noise levels would be below existing background sound levels at the nearest homes during both daytime and night-time periods.

Bolton Council will consider the application in due course.