A PUB says it has launched another appeal against a decision to refuse planning permission for its marquee.

The Junction pub in Rainford had its plans for the siting of the marquee and storage containers on the land to the rear of the site for five years, refused by St Helens Council.

Landlord Paul Draper appealed against the decision to the Planning Inspectorate.

Mr Draper said the marquee has been in place for seven years, pre-dating the pandemic, and holds many important events which are vital for the viability of the pub’s future.

However, the Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal in July this year and said there was “not compelling evidence” to outweigh the “harm” to the green belt.

Junction landlord Paul Draper says its second appeal has now been submitted,  which he says is for a five-year term and subject to a site visit from the Planning Inspectorate, based in Bristol.

Paul says the marquee has been "a lifeline for the Junction this year" and has "hosted many successful events and weddings" helping the pub to pay off high-energy bills which have hit the hospitality sector hard amind the cost-of-living crisis.

It is understood a decision on the latest appeal is to be made by December.

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Paul said: "It's our 10th annual Oktoberfest in the marquee this weekend and it could be our last if the Inspectorate's decision goes against our application for a five-year term to retain the marquee.

"The issue is that the marquee is on greenbelt land which we own although other local developments taking place on greenbelt such as house building on Rookery Lane in Rainford and the Amazon factory in Haydock are regarded as permitted development but a temporary structure such as the marquee is allegedly damaging the greenbelt."

St Helens Star: Paul Draper in his usual festive attire at the Oktoberfest 2017 in the Junction marqueePaul Draper in his usual festive attire at the Oktoberfest 2017 in the Junction marquee (Image: Submitted)

Oktoberfest is taking place at the Junction from 1pm to 11pm on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October1.

It will feature live music from The Rheinford Rifters Oompah Band (aka the Rainford Band), Jake Mckechnie from the voice, the West Lancs Swing band and the Junction Ukulele Group to name a few, plus open mic sessions.