A PUB'S planning application for two conservatories at its premises to help "encapsulate" noise from customers using outdoor seating has been refused permission by the council.

The Moss Bank Hotel, on Moss Bank Road, drew up proposals for the conservatories.

The application, by owner Stephen Lawler, was sent in to council planners.

A design and access statement in the plans, drawn up by agents Taurus Design Services, stated "the proposal will see two new conservatories, one to the north east boundaries and the other to the south west boundary".

It was said the proposals "will not increase the maximum licensed capacity of the premises".

Plans added: "The construction of the conservatories will help to encapsulate the noise produced by patrons currently using the outdoor seating in these areas, thus reducing the overall noise emitted from the premises towards adjacent residential receptors". 

Both conservatories were to be "single-storey" with a "low-pitched roof" and have a floor area of 26.5sq m.

Council planners refuse application

However, planning officers knocked back the proposals, stating the conservatories would create a "disjointed and incongruous feature" that would cause "harm to the local vernacular".

In a report, planning officer Alex Ball said: "The proposal would protrude from both side elevations to the building, resulting in the development abutting the highway edge and creating a hard edge to the site, which is currently relatively open with a low-level wall and permeable railings

"The roof design of the extensions would not integrate well with the main building and existing extensions.  The proposed brick materials would not be compatible with the rendered external finish of the existing public house".

READ > Plans to convert recently-closed restaurant and extend hotel

It was added: "The proposed conservatories would, singularly and in combination, result in a disjointed and incongruous feature that causes harm to the existing building and the local vernacular of the area, which fails to maintain or enhance the appearance of the building."

The report added: "It is acknowledged the proposed conservatories would contribute to economic well being of the public house which will benefit the community facility and jobs at the public house. 

"However this is afforded limited weight in the planning balance as one of the conservatories is on an area of the site which already accommodates customer seating and the same benefits could be achieved through more sensitively designed and sited extensions. 

"Overall, the development in terms of the siting, scale, design, and materials, does not maintain or enhance the local character and appearance of the area."

 

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of St Helens. Please get in touch at simon.mulligan@newsquest.co.uk