Concerns have been raised by a Northwich MP, ward councillors and the town council about plans to build three new blocks of flats on a site originally earmarked for a pub in Winnington.

Cheshire West and Chester’s planning committee is recommended to rubber-stamp an application by Lane End Developments for 24, one-bedroom apartments in the centre of Winnington Urban Village at the junction of Walker Road and Whitby Drive.

The proposals have been called in for discussion by Winnington and Castle councillor Kate Cernik due to residents’ concerns that the site was previously identified as a location for a pub and restaurant.

A report to the committee said no plans have come forward to build a pub, so the land has instead been earmarked for apartments. The new scheme includes one large block of flats  at the junction of Whitby Drive and Walker Road with 14 flats.

The second largest block has six flats and faces across an amenity space to the larger block. The third and smallest of the blocks fronts out on Walker Road and comprises four ‘walk-up’ apartments - with each unit having its own separate entrance door from Walker Road.

There is also a planned communal parking area proposed with 24 spaces, including two spaces for those with mobility needs.

Recommending approval, a report to the committee said a pub/restaurant was granted under previous planning permission for the wider site, but that no plans were put forward.

It said: “Whilst all the other elements of the neighbourhood centre have now been delivered/provided, no detailed proposals have been submitted for the pub/restaurant.

“The period for submission of the reserved matters details for the pub/restaurant expired in October 2020. It is this site that now forms the current application site for 24 flats.”

Northwich Town Council has raised concerns and said the site should be retained as a community asset. It also said there were fears the development may not meet national space standards and guidelines for living space in dwellings, and that there was 'little outdoor amenity' space for residents’ enjoyment.

Northwich MP Mike Amesbury has also raised concerns. Outlining his views, the report added: “The site was intended to be a pub/restaurant or similar, which would provide at least some form of community meeting place and amenity in the absence of other much needed community infrastructure such as a school, GP practice or meeting village hall.”

Ward councillors Bob and Cate Cernik have also raised concerns. The report outlined their views as: “The abandonment of the pub is the main issue here. It is not surprising there is no commercial interest in a new licence in the current circumstances, but this may well change in a year or so.”

But the report added: “Whilst the application site has had planning permission in the past for a pub/restaurant, and the site formed part of the original site for the neighbourhood centre under the wider Winnington Urban Village proposals, there is no specific allocation or restriction on the use of the site.”