A VILLAGE pub is seeking planning permission to retain the marquee on its grounds on a permanent basis.

The Junction pub on News Lane, Rainford, has submitted a planning application to the council.

Landlord Paul Draper is seeking permission for the permanent siting of marquee and storage containers at the premises.

The plans state that the marquee and storage containers have been on the site throughout the Covid pandemic “as a result of the government’s introduction of the temporary permitted development rights”.

The application seeks to “enable the business to continue to provide this essential facility”.

It adds that in a meeting held in March, residents agreed that they “felt the marquee is a community resource, utilised by the Brownies, Table Tennis Club, Ukulele Groups and athletics groups during the pandemic”.

The plans conclude the marquee would secure the pub’s “long-term viability”.

A letter of support of the plans has been submitted, which states: “As a local charity raising funds, it has been a vital source of income”.

The plans are on standard consultation to the public until Monday, May 2.

A determination deadline has been set for May 31.